"Today's Devotion": (08/11/03) Quiet and Rest

Read: Mark 6:30-34 Psalm 62

QUIET AND REST by Rev. Richard Boeck

"...He (Jesus) said to them (the Twelve), "Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."(Mk.6:31b)

Well, it's Monday again. The weekend is over. The day of rest is past. Everyone's ready to go in a new week. Right? Or not! Most people I talk to don't find their weekend's to be too restful. Oh, sure, they're doing many things they don't do during the week, but they still find themselves exhausted come Monday morning. Going to work just doesn't thrill them; going to Monday classes rarely engenders enthusiasm from most students. Of course, for the people of God, Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest, both physically and spiritually. It's supposed to be the time we take to join together in worship and praise of God. Still, as happens in our house, someone still has to go to work, there are a myriad of activities going on, and by the end of Sunday, we need a day of rest.

We live in a world that functions frenetically. Everything is always going, going, gone. There's never enough time to read the email, make the phone calls, pay the bills, go to work, do the chores and housework, cut the grass, talk with our spouses or children or parents, have recreation and relaxation, or, for that matter, the time to spend in prayer and meditation on God's Word. Some people even don't take the time to eat, leading to health complications. And then there are those who are so stressed from the constant "go, go, go," that they eat way too much, and also negatively affect their health. Yet, if we don't make time for quiet time and rest, not only do our bodies suffer, but so do our spirits.

The apostles had just completed a mission, reaching out with the message of the kingdom of heaven to the people of Judea. It had been hard work. People were still coming to see them, to be healed, comforted, and encouraged by the promises of God. They didn't even have time to eat and refresh their strength. And Jesus says, "Stop!" Going with Him to a quiet place to get some rest is not just a physical thing but mental, emotional, and spiritual as well. In His presence, in the Word, by the power of His Spirit, we are refreshed in body and soul. Our minds are cleared of the constant roar of information and demands on our thinking. Our bodies are refreshed because they're not stressed by worry and anxiety. Our spirits are uplifted and freed because our Lord pronounces His forgiveness upon us. Taking the time to let Jesus into our lives each day brings peace and purpose to our lives. And Monday's no longer a burden, but an opportunity to be blessed, to serve, and to find quiet and rest in Him.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, as You took the apostles aside for quiet and rest, so that they might be strengthened in body, mind, and spirit, please help me to follow Your lead, and each day take the time to experience quiet and rest with You. As You refresh me by Your Word and Spirit, lead me to reach out to others, serving them in Your name, with renewed vigor and joy. Let Your peace rest upon me, so that I might rejoice in Your forgiveness of my sins, and gladly and joyfully share the same with my neighbors. In Your precious and holy name I pray. Amen.

--Pastor Boeck Copyright @2003. All rights reserved ************************************* Pastor Richard Boeck is the writer and publisher of “Today’s Devotion,” a brief, daily devotion that brings the grace and love of God in Jesus Christ to bear on the events of the day and people’s lives. If you wish to receive a free subscription please send an email to: revrboeck@netscape.net. Please put “Send me‘Today’s Devotion’” in the subject box. Please also include your first and last names in the body. You may also address any questions to the same address. ************************************