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
Rest comes easy when we’re tired and worn out, right? We feel like we need it or maybe we’re even entitled to it. But what about when we’re in our sweet spot and loving the limelight. Then, we’re not so ready to rest, yet this is exactly when Jesus calls us away. Why? Because he knows when we’ve poured out, we need more of him. We won’t get it in a worship song or a quick devotional. While these are good, Jesus knows we need something better.
When everything is going great, being still or taking a rest can be difficult; it may even feel like a punishment. FOMO leads us to believe we’ll be missing out, hidden, or worse, invisible. But, friend, that’s not how God works. He sees our need before we feel the overwhelm. He proactively calls us away before we’re empty. Some may think of the wilderness as desolate, meaning a place made “depressingly empty or bare.” That’s a lie from the enemy.
Our culture says hustle harder; God says linger longer.
The enemy would have us do-gooding until we’re depleted and depressed. That’s not where God wants us to wind up. Therefore, in the height of our calling or ministry, there will be times of rest ordained for us.
Beyond a weekly Sabbath or a little soul care, God calls us to settle down, to sit and linger at his feet. In the wilderness, God restores us. There’s no need for performance here; we can just be. No expectations. No need for hustle.
Learning to linger leaves us less likely to lose sight of what really matters in this world. Lingering lets us fall more in love with Jesus, loosens our grip on the things of this world, and levels out the highs and lows of ministry, our careers, and our relationships.
When God calls you to REST, remember these things:
God’s not punishing, he’s protecting you in his rest.
God’s not hiding but honing you for his best.
God won’t force you to rest but invites you to linger longer in his love.
Sweet girl, don’t let the wilderness scare you––in the wilderness, God gives us what we need for when he calls us back out again. He feeds us the Bread of Life and fills us with the Living Water. When we’re filled up to overflowing, we’ll hear him say,
“The one I love calls to me: Arise, my dearest. Hurry, my darling. Come away with me! I have come as you have asked to draw you to my heart and lead you out. For now is the time, my beautiful one. The season has changed, the bondage of your barren winter has ended, and the season of hiding is over and gone.” Song of Songs 2:10-11a TPT
Does rest seem like a four-letter word to you? Instead of feeling hidden and unseen, can you begin to think of God’s call to rest as a present instead of a punishment? Today, let God be your Hiding Place. (Psalm 32:7)
Prayer: God, you are my Hiding Place. May I linger longer in your love and allow you to fill me up to overflowing. And, let my heart always respond to your call wherever it is leading me. Amen.
Amy Elaine Martinez is an inspirational speaker, former radio show host, and gifted Bible teacher. Her ministry is devoted to helping women with heart-shattered lives become whole again in Christ. She recently moved from the beautiful mountains of Castle Rock, CO to play on the plains of historic Guthrie, OK. Amy Elaine’s desire is to see women walk in wholeness and develop an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Living the victorious life is one of the major themes of her ministry.Connect with Amy Elaine at www.amyelaine.com
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