Mark 6:31

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.”

Are you experiencing burnout? Are your job or family obligations pulling you in a thousand different directions? Are you traveling to countless doctor and clinic appointments and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight? Do you like to tell everyone how busy you are? We all do it.

Through all of that moods and attitude can sour, fuses can get short, and maybe you don’t like the person you are as busyness and work and obligations keep growing in your life.

It’s time to rest with Jesus.

Jesus noticed his disciples were experiencing that same thing. The crowds were coming in waves seeking help and ministry. That’s a good thing! But their mood, their energy levels, and their endurance was running on fumes. They only had so much to give. They were running out. Jesus’ solution? Leave the crowds and get some rest “with me.”

That’s the key. Jesus wanted his disciples to rest with him. And what does that look like? Well, if Jesus is speaking to you and you’re speaking to him we call that Bible study and prayer. That’s what resting with Jesus entails, hearing from him and talking to him. Jesus advised his disciples “come rest with me” and they did so. (Spoiler Alert: the rest didn’t last long, sadly.)

However, Jesus’ words to his disciples are useful words for today. Do you have time built into your day for rest? Americans love to work and achieve. Busyness is held up as a virtue. It’s a badge of honor to go through the litany of things you are occupied with or have to do or are neglecting.

Jesus’ words to you? Get some rest with him. I’ve noticed over the past couple weeks that my rest time with Jesus hasn’t been as often. Prayer has been placed aside for “more important things” (i.e. more busyness). Personal Bible time is bypassed for other things. And guess what happens to attitudes and mood then?

You need to rest with Jesus, friend. I need to rest with Jesus. Listen to your perfect Savior’s advice. Get away from the crowds, from the work, from the hustle and bustle. Put the list down and carve out time regularly for rest with Jesus. Talk to your Savior. Read his Word and let him speak to you.

Rest is good. It’s necessary. Jesus urges you to rest with him.

Pastor Jeremy Belter

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