Resting is not easy for me! One of my favorite scriptures is “Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalms 46:10 KJV I like to quote it but practicing it is not so easy.
I have had to practice being still. I believe rest is becoming a lost thing in our busy culture.
We’ve exchanged being still and resting for a hectic and fast-paced speed of life. Each 24-hour time span is packed with a number of tasks we’ve placed on ourselves and then a few extra task from others. When we do not take time to reset and refresh we get fatigued, fearful, frantic and frustrated.
We have to make a choice to rest!
Jesus tells His disciples this, ‘Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.’” Mark 6:31
Jesus knew when He sent us out to share the Gospel that our assignment and journey would not be easy. He knew that we just like the disciples would have difficult times and relationship issues. He knew that we would face discouragement and obstacles.
Yes- just like the disciples we have been empowered by Holy Spirit to preach, spread the Goodnews, represent the Kingdom of Heaven, heal, set captives free- But we also have to deal with exhaustion physically, emotionally and spiritually. It says in Mark that even after finally coming back home from journey, people would still be “coming and going,” enough that the disciples “did not even have time to eat” (v. 31b).
Jesus reminds us to rest. And He doesn’t just remind He request. It was Jesus’ command. He knows what the disciples were doing. And there is much more that remains to do. He says this to me and you too. But there are times He says for now come and rest. Maybe just for a second- but catch your breath and let me refresh you.
I know that I have felt guilty for taking time away to regroup and recharge in the past.
But I hear the voice of my first love, Savior- King Jesus calling me away for some rest time. Inviting me into a place where grace flows, where the Spirit refuels, and where mercy fixes what’s been fatigued, frustrated and stressed. It is the place where He repairs, refreshes, refuels, restores and relaunches me.
This quiet time is a wise investment for me. It is necessary for the diligent and committed, active servants and followers of Jesus to be still. When I prioritize rest for myself and those I love, I rediscover joy and gain strength.
So recently one of my dear friends and I went for a time of rest. We prayed, read, listened, shared, slept, laughed- we were still! I was refreshed. I was recharged! I had a wonderful reset! I am hoping that you get to grab a daily cup of coffee with Jesus and rest with Him! Oh it is such a sweet time ❤️☕️
Allison Bramlett 