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.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 

Mark 6: 31-32

Everyone needs a break from people, even those who regularly serve people. A doctor cannot always be with patients. A teacher cannot always be with students. Even Jesus, who was the Son of God, took time away from the crowds of people who were coming to see him. He did this to be with his disciples. He did this to show his closest followers some one-on-one attention. He did this to rest his weary body and to be in the Presence of God for spiritual renewal.  How much more do we who are mere mortals require such rest? 

Jesus said, to his disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Jesus makes the same invitation to you. Take some time to be alone with Jesus and his Word in your Bible. It will remind you that God loves you. It will remind you how Jesus died on the cross for you and rose from the dead to guarantee your forgiveness and a place in heaven with him. It will remind you that you do not have to fight your daily battles alone; that he is there for you. Go with Jesus and get some rest.

And then go back and serve the people God has brought into your life, just as Jesus did. “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” Your work and your struggles are not going anywhere.  You will be able to deal with them, after you have rested and been renewed in God’s Presence.

May the moments you spend with Jesus in the Word strengthen you in your service to others.