Aside

Thought someone might need to borrow one of my favorite verses: “Jesus said to them, ‘Come aside by yourselves to a solitary place and rest a while'” (Mark 6:31).

Spending real time alone with God is something you know need to do, but don’t do often enough. You can get so consumed with life, it starts consuming you. When you do a get a moment, it’s often in reaction to everything overwhelming you, and spills out of your mouth in complaints and fears that can make you feel further away from him and closer to panic.

This is one of my reset verses. God isn’t demanding you pray until you gain his acceptance or approval. This isn’t praying because you’re supposed to, it’s being with him because you get to. You’re his guest of honor, and he’s inviting you to be with him so he can heal, strengthen, equip, and bless you.

The word “rest” here means to recover, restore, renew, and collect your strength. He’s offering you a place to clear your mind so you can hear him again, and see and deal with everyone and everything from his presence.

Schedule time with him. And let him do most of the talking.