MONDAY: TIME WITH GOD
KEY PASSAGE
“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”
DEVOTIONAL
In this scripture, the twelve disciples had just returned from being sent out by Jesus to preach, drive out demons, and heal the sick. They returned to Jesus full of excitement in all they had seen God do through them. They were filled with joy, but they were also exhausted and in need of rest and nourishment. It is in this moment that Jesus extends a gentle invitation: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place.” They go with Him, but soon encounter a large crowd waiting for ministry. There was still more to be done.
Maybe this resonates with you today. There always seems to be more to do - more places to go, more people to see, more things to check off, and more goals to accomplish. It can feel endless, and you are tired. This is the pace at which many people live today: hurried, anxious, and worn out by a constant state of doing.
Yet Jesus extends the same invitation to you that He offered the disciples: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” There may be many important things to do, but the most important thing is to begin by being alone with Jesus. When we prioritize time with Him - at the start of our day and in the moments throughout it - we find the rest and nourishment that our mind, body, and spirit so desperately needs.
CHALLENGE
Today, before you do anything else, simply be with Jesus. Choose to start your day from a place of rest and nourishment. The invitation is for you - right now. Spend a few moments resting with Jesus, and then go.
Try setting a timer on your phone for five minutes and simply pray “Lord, here I am,” or “God, help me rest in You today.”