A DESERTED PLACE

Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves (Mark 6:30-32 New King James Version).

God’s work is full of activity. If we are not careful, we can become over-zealous in working for the Lord. Jesus sent the disciples out to preach the gospel, heal the sick and cast out demons. We can assume they were very busy with barely a moment’s rest, which is why Jesus called them to come aside to a deserted place and rest. This is also the tranquil moment before Jesus fed the five thousand.

When we are active in our ministry to the point where we don’t take time to properly care for ourselves, God will tell us to get by ourselves in a deserted place and rest a while. We may not see God is calling us to do this, because we feel by serving God, we must be busy. It is wonderful and fun to serve the Lord, but He designed us to refresh ourselves with rest and nourishment. If we are constantly on spiritual high alert, running to church any hour of the day, being the only go-to person for our ministry, taking every responsibility upon ourselves even after delegating, running, running, and running – how are we taking the time necessary to nourish our spirit and physical bodies?

When God has something big planned for us, He will cause us to step away for a bit from what we’ve been doing. He may ask we only attend service for a couple weeks, or perhaps not go, but to sit quietly in His presence. He may move us from the ministry we’re in; He may bring in a helper to take over for a time. He will do what He needs to do to get us rested up and refreshed, before the next season rolls in.

If we have been serving constantly with no break, no time away and we feel restless in our spirits, it could be God is calling us to a deserted place with Him.

Let’s Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for this blessing of another day! Thank You for waking us up, breathing life into us, filling us with Your Spirit! Father, we desire to be refreshed, renewed and revived! Take us to the deserted place so that we may be refilled! Grant us discernment and wisdom, allow us to hear Your plans and voice. Father, may we have grace and humility to step into that deserted place and rest in Your presence. May we have courage to take the next step! We love You, Lord, and we give You all glory and honor. In Jesus name, Amen.

Today’s Attitude of Worship: Reassess your service to the Lord. Are you going, going, going? Are you in a deserted place and about to step out? Sit with God a while, rest, become nourished and get ready for the next step!

Additional Scriptures: Mark 6:7-13; Isaiah 30:15a; Hebrews 4:10-11

Shalom,

Prudence