Resting in the Lord

And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. – Mark 6:31

How important is rest to us? but also how important is it that we slow down and also enjoy the life that God has given us? not so that we should indulge or fall into gluttony or laziness, but rather that we learn to quiet ourselves from the busy life that our society demands, and take a moment to reflect on God, on life, and the blessings in which God has placed within us.

In a fast pace, ambitious and driven society we often find ourselves feeling guilty about taking rest. In fact many have made us feel that way when we decide to take a breather. They ask “what are you doing with your life?” and “why aren’t you being productive?” On the other hand, some of us make resting our priority so much that it causes us to accomplish absolutely nothing. But today, I will speak to those who have been struggling with being so busy we hardly find time to have rest.

As a pastor, I make complete confession that I have not completely found any sort of rest from both physical work and psychological stress in the last ten years of my life. So much so that it has often taken a toll on both my spiritual life, my leadership, wisdom and also physical energy to carry out the many tasks that are at hand in my daily life and career. It has compromised my health, my emotional wellbeing, and even my relationship with my congregation in many moments.

But where do we truly find rest? Rest can only come when we decide to both physically and spiritually remove ourselves and find a place that is desolate and away from the things which demands of us our service, and our physical and emotional resources. Jesus commands of his disciples that they should go away from the crowd in which they were ministering to eat and rest with him.

Today, may you find rest in retreating with Jesus to a solitary and quiet place. If you have been thinking about taking that break, but have put it off – reflect on what toll it has taken on your life? Is it worth the cost? and how has it benefitted not only your career, but also the spiritual fervour you yearn to have in your relationship with Christ. Take time to rest, and may he bless you greatly as you dwell on his strength and company to not just get you through life, but to live victoriously each day because of His name that brings you strength.