“Getting Away From It All”

And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)  They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves.”   Mark 6:31-32 (NASB)

Do you ever wish you could just take a time out from life?  Life is so busy and every moment is filled with work, errands, home and family responsibilities.  Moments for rest seem to be few and far between.  And it’s not just the busyness, but it’s also the people we have to deal with.  As Christians, we need to be an example to others when facing challenging situations, but that can lead to stress, too.

We often just want to get away from it all.  Even the Psalmist said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove!  I would fly away and be at rest.”  (Psalm 55:6 NASB)

Here are some things we can do to help us face all the madness. 

• Take time to rest. This is easier said than done, but we cannot help others when we are exhausted physically and spiritually.  Jesus and His disciples had been busy ministering to the multitudes when He told them to get away by themselves and rest.  (Mark 6:31-32)
• Take time to spend with the Lord. We need that alone time with Christ, for Him to speak to us, teach us and just love on us.  Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-29, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
• Take time to spend with Godly friends. There’s something wonderful about spending time with our Christian sisters.  We understand each other and can laugh, cry and pray together.  Proverbs 27:9 says, “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, so a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.”
• Take time to attend church. It’s not encouraging to think about, but this world is just getting worse, which makes it more and more important for us to attend church regularly.  Hebrew 10:24-25 says, “… and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

When we think about all the things we need to do, remember that just as we plan our time for worldly responsibilities, we also need to plan time for spiritual refreshment.

It’s so easy for us to let all the things we need to do drive us to a stressed out place physically, mentally and emotionally.  Take time to examine all that you are doing and see what you can let go of.  Pray about each activity and allow God to help you set priorities in your schedule and life.

Dear Heavenly Father,

It’s so hard sometimes to slow down in this fast paced world.  Help me to allow You to show me the things You want me to do, the things I need to do for my home and job, and even show me the things that You want me to stop doing.  Help me to make spending time with You a priority and to dedicate time to spend with other believers so that we can encourage and edify one another.  Thank You Lord, that You never grow weary towards me.  I praise You for Your loving faithfulness to provide all my needs.  May I learn that resting in You is more important than keeping pace with this world.  I love You, Father! Amen. 

 

This blog appeared on  Encouragement Cafe  3/23/16