Resting to Restore
Hurry. Hustle. Go. Do. Achieve. Fix. How many of your days begin with thoughts like these at the front of your mind? Adulthood is marked by the pressures of so much to do and never enough time. There are due dates, bills to pay, people to speak to, and things that demand our attention.
We need reminding—as we did when we were children—sometimes it’s time to rest, even if we didn’t get our list of chores done. Jesus’ disciples were healthy men with energy and skills, but even they became overwhelmed by the strain of attending to a constant stream of needs. Jesus noticed this and called them away to be alone and get some much-needed rest.
No matter how great our capacity is, we all have limits. Even those with tremendous energy and passion need time to rest. It's not a sign of failure. It's a sign of trust in God.
Jesus took naps and spent time alone to regroup and rest. He made plans for His disciples to do the same. His pattern and invitation are there for us, too. He knows we need downtime.
If you’re exhausted, how might Jesus be inviting you to get away and rest in His presence? As you look around and see others who are weary and heavy-laden—maybe not even stopping to eat—how might you bless them by helping them to take a break?
John 1:5
Walk int he Light and not the darkness.
#verseoftheday📖 #John15 #TheLightShinesinthedarkness #thedarknesscannocomprehendtheLight #JesusisthatLight
“When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: that the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost ...
“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I...