And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)”—Mark 6:31 (NASB)
The month of December can be one where we overcommit which results in exhaustion. We run ourselves ragged and by the time Christmas Eve/Day arrive we aren’t fully present.
In Mark 6:31, Jesus was addressing His disciples. They were in the middle of their ministry traveling by foot from town to town sharing the Gospel and healing the sick. According to scripture, they were so busy, they didn’t even have time to eat.
This scripture tells us how important it is for Christ followers to rest and be renewed by spending alone time with Jesus. Burning the candle at both ends not only affects us physically and mentally but spiritually as well.
I know it isn’t a coincidence I had started this blog prior to my travels last week. As I sit and finish this post, I am not feeling 100 percent. When I woke up Saturday morning, I had a sinus headache. By bedtime, I wasn’t feeling so great. Sunday, I slept in and stayed in my pajamas until lunch.
As I am typing this, looking around my house, I have bins of Christmas decorations scattered about. I have decided to take heed to the scripture God gave me this week in Mark 6:31. Resting for a while is how my body heals.
I am taking my time decorating this year. Despite the mess around me, it isn’t stressing me out like it normally would. I see this as a gift from God to embrace getting my home ready for this Christmas season. Sometimes it takes me getting sick for God to redirect my focus to what matters the most…Jesus.
Over the past few years, I have cut back on decorating saving mostly items that have some meaning or significance to me. The singing Santa set were ones my parent has that my children used to love. My dad would get a kick out of turning them on for the grandchildren. Now, I get to see the same joy on my grandsons’ faces as we turn them on to sing for them.
As I unpack the snow village, I am reminded of my dear friend, Chaliise, who started it for me at least 25 years ago. You see, rather than rushing through and decorating this year, I am reminiscing and enjoying it. Who would have thought having a cold could be a blessing?
Mark 6:31 was the gentle reminder I needed to take a break from the chaos to prioritize my physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Despite having to finish this post and the bins around me, my morning in pajamas was also spent in my favorite chair reading my morning devotions/Bible reading.
We need to take time to fill our spirit. Rest is a gift from God for us to embrace. I don’t know what that may look for you, but it can be as simple as doing nothing but watching one of your favorite Christmas movies. For me, it has been not decorating at record pace. The heart of Christmas isn’t about the perfect presents, house, and meals, it is about being with our loved ones to celebrate our Savior’s birth.
My verse to focus on this month is my favorite scripture that I include on many of my knit gifts; “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”—Romans 15:13
It is my prayer for you as well.
Father God,
Thank You for giving me Romans 15:13. You are the God of hope who fills believers with joy and peace as we trust in You through the power of the Holy Spirit. Prepare me for this new month ahead of me. Let it overflow with Your love, grace and mercy. Thank You for slowing me down to enjoy decorating my home and embracing this Christmas season. Open doors for divine opportunities to share Your love. May I find rest in You despite the busy days that may lie ahead of me. I pray these things in the name of Your precious Son, Jesus Christ.
December Verse
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”—Romans 15:13
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