Ever feel like the walls are closing in on you, and it all gets too much? The overwhelming weight of work, worry, and weariness leaves us wanting. Pressure builds, and we cry, “Stop the world; I want to get off!”
Sometimes, we are our own worst enemy. Guilty of saying “Yes” to everyone and everything, we fall in a heap each night, only to do it all again the next day!
Nearly at the end of my tether, an invitation formed as I desperately prayed: “Come away and rest.” I knew it was Jesus, and I felt my body relax at the thought.
In Mark, Jesus invites His disciples to withdraw and rest after returning from ministry in Galilee.
“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 ESV).
Taking time out, and doing what Jesus instructed His disciples to do, can feel like a luxury, even selfish! Yet, a strategic withdrawal to rest helps us discern God’s presence in a posture and place of quietness and trust.
So, with bags packed and my family’s blessing, I set off for four days of spiritual retreat. While away, I felt led to do three things:
1. Reset - exchange a frenetic rhythm for silence and solitude.
2. Renew - spend time in the Word, worship, and prayer.
3. Rest – discover true rest in God’s presence.
I slept when tired, ate when hungry, and enjoyed time outdoors. I journaled and reflected on unhealthy patterns of thinking and behaving, inviting God to bring perspective and healing. My “yes” to God’s invitation to come away and rest ushered me into greater freedom and surrender. I came home feeling lighter and closer to Jesus, ready to walk more slowly into the season ahead.
If you have never taken time out to allow your soul to be lifted by the presence of God, I can highly recommend it. Perhaps you already hear Jesus’ call to “Come away and rest awhile.”
Sometimes, we are our own worst enemy. Guilty of saying “Yes” to everyone and everything, we fall in a heap each night, only to do it all again the next day!
Nearly at the end of my tether, an invitation formed as I desperately prayed: “Come away and rest.” I knew it was Jesus, and I felt my body relax at the thought.
In Mark, Jesus invites His disciples to withdraw and rest after returning from ministry in Galilee.
“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 ESV).
Taking time out, and doing what Jesus instructed His disciples to do, can feel like a luxury, even selfish! Yet, a strategic withdrawal to rest helps us discern God’s presence in a posture and place of quietness and trust.
So, with bags packed and my family’s blessing, I set off for four days of spiritual retreat. While away, I felt led to do three things:
1. Reset - exchange a frenetic rhythm for silence and solitude.
2. Renew - spend time in the Word, worship, and prayer.
3. Rest – discover true rest in God’s presence.
I slept when tired, ate when hungry, and enjoyed time outdoors. I journaled and reflected on unhealthy patterns of thinking and behaving, inviting God to bring perspective and healing. My “yes” to God’s invitation to come away and rest ushered me into greater freedom and surrender. I came home feeling lighter and closer to Jesus, ready to walk more slowly into the season ahead.
If you have never taken time out to allow your soul to be lifted by the presence of God, I can highly recommend it. Perhaps you already hear Jesus’ call to “Come away and rest awhile.”
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8 Comments
Oh Sharee, as I read your words I realized a very hard truth. My husband is in memory care now, my daily struggle to manage him and take care of him is over...right? Well, yes and no. Instead of taking a moment and resting, I've gone daily to "make sure" he's taken care of correctly. I rush my mornings so that I can be there on time for his lunch. I come home sad and tired. I havent made that "come away" time. Thank you for your words and the timing is perfect.
Debbie, thank you for sharing. It must be so hard to establish a new routine during this season of change. I pray God gives you wisdom to know how to live from a posture of resting in Him. May God fill your cup so that you avoid over functioning, leading to depletion.
Sharee,
Thank you for this encouragement to step back and find gentle, quiet moments with the Lord. August is a hectic time of the year for our family as school tasks take over the bulk of the time. However, reading your post today inspired me to ask the Lord to show me where I can carve out small bits of time to be refreshed by Him. I know by taking part in these moments, I will have the energy I need to tackle this season.
Kellie, I pray God will answer your prayer as you reflect on your upcoming schedule. May He give you wisdom regarding what to keep and what to remove. I bless you to experience His rest.
Such good advice Sharee! Even though I am retired now, I have so many things on my plate. I still need to get away from everything occasionally. Sometimes I forget that. It has to be an intentional practice to get away and spend time with the Lord, relax, and just BE.
Praying for some room on that plate, Susan, so you can sit with Jesus and BE. You're right that it is something we need to be intentional about.
That sounds like the perfect vacation. Most vacations I've been on was so busy that I was more tired spin returning home!!! I remember many times when Jeff and I would sleep all day when we got home!!! Lol💜
Vacations can feel like that. When you get home, you need a vacation from the vacation! This retreat did not feel like a vacation though in the true sense of the word. It was all easy as God had me doing some hard work with Him to receive breakthrough. I did, though, come home very rested and relaxed so you have got me thinking how I can ensure there is time for that in my vacations in the future.