How does the saying go? “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Back in 1784 the first mail coach went galloping along at ten miles per hour. By the 1880’s, locomotives were reaching speeds of 100 miles per hour. The twentieth century brought flight. Soon jets were traveling at supersonic speeds. Today, the speed of a Google search boggles the mind: 36,000,000 hits in less than one-half second. And I thought the Space Shuttle was fast!
Times have changed—or have they? We certainly move faster, but in the end we are still looking at busy days and tired people! That’s why Jesus’ words to his disciples 2000 years ago still resonate.
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 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 6:30-32 NLT)
I need to come back to Jesus’ words. I need to get out of my supercharged car, turn off the cell phone, ignore the tweets, and shut down instant messaging. I need to step into the back yard, or onto the porch, or take a walk in the park. It is not so much that I need more hours in the sack (although that wouldn’t hurt). I need more time to rest—my mind, my eyes, my vocal cords, my ears, my tired body, my hurried spirit—and be with God! I need to step away from my hectic life so I can be refreshed for life.
Jesus recommended a solitary place. Do you know of one? Why not plan some time today to get away for a few extra minutes to that special place. Rest for a moment and then talk to the Lord. Tell him about your day, your troubles, or your trials. Then open up to a familiar place. The “Sermon on the Mount” in Matthew 6 would be a good choice. Let his words refresh your heart. When you hop back in the car or step into the house things will still be pretty much the same, but you won’t!
FOCAL POINT: Take some time to get away with Jesus to a quiet place and let him refresh your life.
Copyright © 2010 Tommy Kiedis