It Starts Small

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³¹ He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
Mark 6:31

¹⁴ And he replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 33:14

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In the hustle and bustle of life, we often overlook the profound significance of rest. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus eloquently embodies this truth, passionately inviting His disciples to step away to a serene, deserted place and rejuvenate their weary souls. The disciples were so overwhelmed by the relentless demands of ministry that they hardly found a moment to eat. Yet, Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, recognized their deep need for both physical and spiritual renewal, urging them to embrace the gift of rest. This beautiful invitation to pause and refresh is not just for the disciples of old; it resonates with us today, calling us to cherish moments of restoration in our own lives.

Rest is absolutely vital for our spiritual journey! In Exodus, God passionately assures Moses of His unwavering presence and promises, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’ This powerful verse reminds us that true rest is found in the glorious presence of God. It’s not merely about stopping physical activity; it’s about diving deep into the boundless solace and peace that comes from being with Him. When we rest in His embrace, we are rejuvenated and equipped to confront life’s challenges with renewed strength and fervor!

To weave rest into the fabric of your life, carve out dedicated moments each day to bask in solitary communion with God. Engage in heartfelt prayer, devour the wisdom of Scripture, or simply sit in silence, inviting His presence to overflow in your heart. Just as Jesus sought solace in desolate places to pray, we too must retreat from the chaos of our daily lives to discover the profound nourishment our spirits crave. Embrace the truth that rest is not a luxury; it is an essential cornerstone for thriving in a balanced and vibrant life.

Reflection:

Think about your current schedule and identify those precious moments when you can intentionally rest in God’s magnificent presence. What habits or activities can you transform or eliminate to carve out sacred space for solitude and rejuvenation? Remember, even Jesus Himself took time to rest, and God assures us that His presence will accompany us, bringing us the rest we seek. Embrace this divine invitation with fervor, reclaim rest in your life, and revel in the peace and revitalization that flows from being in God’s loving presence.

Deeper Reflection #1: Mark 6:31

Mark 6:31 says: “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.”

In the context of reclaiming strength, this verse is a powerful reminder that rest is a directive from Jesus, not a reward for finishing your work. These prompts help you navigate the “coming and going” of your own life to find that “desolate place” of renewal.

1. Acknowledging the “Coming and Going”

• Identifying Your “Crowds”: The disciples were so busy helping others that they didn’t even have time to eat. What are the “crowds” in your life right now (e.g., constant notifications, family demands, mental to-do lists) that are preventing you from attending to your basic needs?
• The Hunger Check: When Jesus noticed they hadn’t eaten, he prioritized their physical bodies. In your current burnout, what basic physical or emotional needs have you been neglecting? (e.g., sleep, nutritious food, silence, movement). How is this neglect affecting your ability to “reclaim” your strength?

2. The “Come Away” Invitation

• The “By Yourselves” Boundary: Jesus didn’t invite the whole crowd to the retreat; he pulled his inner circle away. Who or what do you need to “leave behind” for a few hours to truly recharge? What makes you feel guilty about “coming away” by yourself, and how can you surrender that guilt to Jesus?
• Locating Your “Desolate Place”: A “desolate place” isn’t necessarily a desert; it’s just a place where the noise stops. Where is your modern-day “desolate place” (a specific chair, a park, a quiet car)? Describe how your spirit feels when you are in that space versus when you are in the “crowd.”

3. Reclaiming Strength Through the “Rest a While”

• Rest as Strategy, Not Sloth: Jesus knew that for the disciples to continue their mission, they had to stop. How can you shift your mindset to see rest as a strategic investment in your future strength rather than a waste of time?
• The “A While” Perspective: Notice Jesus said “a while,” not “forever.” Burnout often makes us want to quit everything. How does it change your outlook to see your current rest as a temporary, necessary “pit stop” designed to get you back on the road with fresh tires?
• Reclaiming Your Center: When you are “away” with Jesus, you are reminded of who you are apart from what you do. Write about who you are when you aren’t being a parent, an employee, or a caregiver. What brings you life that has nothing to do with your productivity?

Deeper Reflection #2: Exodus 33:14

Exodus 33:14 says: “The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” 

In this context, Moses was overwhelmed by the massive responsibility of leading a stubborn people through a wilderness. God’s response wasn’t a “to-do” list or a new strategy—it was a promise of companionship. These prompts focus on reclaiming strength by shifting from doing for God to being with God. 

1. The Power of “With”

• The Shared Load: Moses felt the weight of an entire nation on his shoulders. What specific “weight” is making you feel isolated right now? How does it change your stress level to visualize God not just watching you from a distance, but physically “going with you” into that meeting, that difficult conversation, or that pile of laundry?
• Presence vs. Performance: We often think we have to “get it together” before we can be in God’s presence. But God offered His presence to Moses right in the middle of a desert crisis. How can you practice “resting” in His presence even while your life still feels like a wilderness?

2. Reclaiming Rest as a Gift

• “I Will Give You”: Notice that rest is something God gives, not something Moses had to earn. Are you currently trying to “achieve” rest (by working harder so you can finally relax)? What would happen if you accepted rest as a free gift you could receive right this second, regardless of how much you’ve accomplished today?
• The Safety of the Shepherd: In the ancient world, “rest” meant safety from enemies and a place of peace. What are the “enemies” of your peace right now (e.g., anxiety about the future, regret over the past)? How can God’s presence act as a “buffer” or a shield against those thoughts today? 

3. Reclaiming Strength through Divine Companionship

• Finding the “Rest” in the “Go”: God says His presence will “go” and He will “give rest” simultaneously. This suggests we can have an internal rest even while we are externally moving. Describe a moment today where you felt a “quiet center” despite a busy schedule. How can you intentionally return to that “center” throughout the day?
• A Prayer for the Journey: Write a short prayer inviting God’s presence into the specific hour of your day that you dread the most. Use the phrase: “Lord, Your presence is going with me into [Situation], so I choose to rest in You while I am there.” 

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