Give Yourself Permission to Rest

~~~ 1 Kings 3:4-13 ~~~ Psalm 119 ~~~ Mark 6:30-34 ~~~

Solomon is presenting himself in humility before God.
God is wondering why the new king has not made any requests of him.
But Solomon is filled with gratitude for all that God has already given him.

I give you a heart so wise and understanding
that there has never been anyone like you up to now,
and after you there will come no one to equal you.
In addition, I give you what you have not asked for,
such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like.

The Apostles gathered together with Jesus
and reported all they had done and taught.
He said to them,
“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” 

The twelve Apostles have just returned from their very first mission trip.
They are excited at how God was able to work through them.
They are physically and emotionally exhausted.
Jesus knows exactly what they need...
they needed time away...
time to recharge themselves.
We all need time away to rest...we need time away
from all of our social media.
We need time to disconnect...
Time away to listen for the voice of God.
When you go away to a deserted place there are no distractions.
You can relax and abandon your stress.
You can forget about keeping a strict schedule.

Jesus blessed the Apostles by taking them away for a rest.
Jesus wants you to find a deserted place to rest in his presence.
He wants to bless you just because you are you,
not because of how much you can get done in twenty-four hours.

“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” 

You will be glad you took the time off.
Peace.