“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” (Mark 6:31, NIV)
Looking at the behavior of Jesus in the Gospels, we see that He was never too busy or in a hurry to stop, teach, heal and care for people in need. Everywhere He went, the crowds surrounded Him. They listened and pressed in to touch Him. They reached for His healing hands in hopes of being freed from sickness and disease, brokenness and oppression, demonic spirits and spiritual torment. Jesus was constantly at work doing His Father’s business – teaching the disciples, preaching the Gospel, and performing great miracles all for the glory of God. Jesus never said “No.” He never refused to pour out His love and compassion on others. Yet, Jesus also took time and knew how to rest.
As a caring Christian, who strives to make the world a better place every day, I confess that I often struggle to find the energy to keep going. I’m comforted when I read this verse. Jesus showed us how to keep going – by taking time to rest. He often stopped to be alone with God in prayer. He returned to His source for a fresh supply of divine love and compassion, wisdom and truth, purpose and direction, power and strength. He found rest, restoration and comfort in God. In God, Jesus found renewal, confidence and the resolve to finish His work even to the cross. He found an endless supply of grace, love and mercy. He found the strength to keep going no matter what.
Child of God, are you tired, weary and in need of renewed energy and strength? If so, I suggest you stop and rest in God. Cry out to him in prayer. Forget “Eveready.” Plug in to God today. He is the only “Energizer” you will ever need.
Father, thank You for Your never-ending supply of love, mercy, grace, strength and power. Holy Spirit, help me to remember to stop often and find rest in Jesus’ loving arms when I feel tired or weary and on the verge of giving up. Through the blood of Jesus and in the name of Jesus I pray, amen.
