Rest for the Weary
“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.”
- Mark 6:31
Try to picture the scene.
Jesus. His disciples. Mobs of people. Coming, going, no time to slow down. Being in the presence of Jesus it must have felt like there was always a constant whirlwind of activity.
Can you relate?
As women, we often feel like there’s no rest for the weary. With constant demands on our time, it’s difficult to find time for ourselves. Not to mention the fact that we are pulled a million different directions.
Yet, we see in this scripture how Jesus set the ultimate example for us. When things were crazy and spinning out of control, Jesus extended an invitation to rest.
Rest, my friends.
When was the last time you got away from the crowds to rest in the Lord and renew your spirit?
If a quiet retreat seems like a distant memory, I encourage you respond to the Jesus’ invitation to rest.
Here’s how:
6 Tips for a Personal Retreat with the Lord
Recognize the warning signs – Don’t wait until you get to a breaking point before getting the rest you need. If you’re not good at spotting the signs ask a friend to help you. Chances are others know you need a break long before you do.
Break the routine – switching things up a bit can give you a well-needed boost and create some breathing room in an otherwise hectic schedule. Try swapping chores with your husband. Or maybe take turns babysitting your friend’s children so that you each get a few hours alone.
Get with the Master – at the core of a personal retreat is time with the Lord. Grab your Bible, devotional book, journal and a pen and head out to your favourite quiet spot. If it’s possible, spend some time in nature. Being in the outdoors is a great way to remember God’s majesty and put things in perspective.
Make it Your Own – Tailor your alone time to what works best for you. Download this free Personal Retreat Guide for a list of ideas. See link here: http://bit.ly/sparklegetaway.
Keep it Simple – The goal is to get some personal time with God where you can regroup and rejuvenate. It doesn’t have to be fancy and it doesn’t have to be a full day. Be realistic and keep it simple.
Manage Expectations – don’t expect all of your problems to be solved in one retreat. Simply cherish the time with God, pray through your concerns and wait expectantly on Him to resolve any issues that are weighing you down.
Every now and again we all have to lay down our super-woman capes. There’s no glory in trying to be all things to everyone all the time. Instead, be intentional about taking the time to get away in the presence of the Lord.
By the way, don't be surprised if you enjoy your personal retreat so much that you can't wait to plan another one. You might even find yourself recommending it to a friend the next time you notice her warning signs. Simply share this link with her so that she can plan her Personal Retreat too! http://bit.ly/sparklegetaway
If you have some tips on creating a personal retreat time with God, we’d love to hear about them!