Take time to rest: Jesus made rest a priority

Good Morning!

There are 14,400 minutes in every single day. Yet many of us try to fill nearly all of them with activity—working, serving, planning, scrolling, worrying, or simply staying busy. But busyness is not the same as fruitfulness. God calls us to use our time wisely, and part of that wisdom is knowing when to slow down.

 

Even Jesus—the Savior of the world—made rest a priority. After teaching, healing, and pouring Himself out for others, He intentionally withdrew to quiet, solitary places. He invited His disciples to do the same, saying, “Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31). Rest was not optional; it was essential for sustaining their assignment.

 

Rest is more than sleep. It is the intentional choice to step away from noise, demands, and distractions. It means turning off the phone, silencing the TV, and creating space for your soul to breathe. It means finding your own “deserted place”—a corner of stillness where God can refill what life has drained.

 

When we refuse to rest, we run on empty. A weary vessel cannot pour out effectively. A tired spirit cannot discern clearly. A cluttered mind cannot hear God’s whisper. But when we pause, God restores. When we step back, God strengthens. When we rest, God refills.

 

Take time today to slow down. Protect moments of quiet. Let God renew your strength, refresh your spirit, and prepare you for what lies ahead. Rest is not a sign of weakness—it is an act of obedience and trust.

 

God cannot use a worn-out vessel, but He delights in renewing those who come to Him for rest.

The worst part of being a giver No one ever asks if you are okay…

Read:  Matthew 8:1-27

Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well John 4:6

 

Good Morning!

Individuals who are often helping others are often taken for granted by society and family members. 

Community leaders, pastors, or even yourself can fulfill this role. These individuals continuously offer their time to advise and assist people in different ways. We often overlook the fact that these individuals are human and also experience fatigue. As a result, we tend to want or need more from them, not taking into account that they have limitations and need for rest. Because of their tireless efforts, we often assume everything is fine without considering if they are okay or not.

 

Throughout Jesus' ministry, there were moments when He displayed weariness, such as when He sat down by the well because He was weary from the journey (John 4:6). We often overlook his weariness, focusing instead on what he was doing at the well. 

In Matthew chapter 8, Jesus performs various miracles. He cleanses a leper (Matthew 8:1-4) and heals a Centurion's servant (Matthew 8:5-13). Jesus then visits Peter's house and heals Peter's sick mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14-15). Jesus performed additional healing throughout the entire evening, as recorded in Matthew 8:15-17. Jesus, upon seeing a large crowd approaching (Matthew 8:18, commanded that he needed to depart. After Jesus departed, they boarded a boat and he immediately fell asleep (Matthew 8:24).

 

A great storm arose while on the boat. Ignoring Jesus' exhaustion, the disciples, like countless others, sought his assistance without considering his well-being or questioning if he was tired or doing okay.

 

 I am trying to convey the point to both givers and receivers of blessings. Givers should take some time to rest just like Jesus. Just like Jesus, they too get tired and weary, so don't take for granted their continual giving, helping, and lack of complaints.

 

Take time to check on your pastors, leaders, or family caregivers. No one ever asks if you are okay, which is the worst part of being strong and giving.

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