The Busy Season
May always seems to fly by each year. It's the season of weddings, graduations, showers, and loads of other social milestone events (Hey, Convention 2018! I see you!). Amidst the chaos of buying gifts and orchestrating how I can attend as many as I can and how I am going to get there and there, I often don't have the option to slow down. When we are in busy seasons, how do you take the time to slow down?
Jesus' life was full of busy seasons, especially during his three years of open ministry. Loads of people followed him like a celebrity before the advent of paparazzi. Often times, he was called upon by the sick, the poor, and even his own disciples for guidance and direction. Given his fully human nature, I suspect he was susceptible just like us to exhaustion and overload.
Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert (or apparently even an "ambivert"), having time alone with God is important to get our hearts and minds and physical bodies in the right position to serve Him faithfully. Jesus modeled several times the importance of carving out time to be alone and pray (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; Matthew 4:1-11; Matthew 26:36).
It's important not only to have a quiet time with God to honor God and give him our best, but it is also for our benefit. David shares in his psalm that God "maketh me lie down in green pastures" (Psalm 23:2). I recently noted that God had to force David to rest! Aren't we the same?
When we obey God to lie down in green pastures--enjoying the present blessings around us--we can recharge with the help of the Lord Almighty. It is through him that we can receive His peace "which surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). It is our duty--and our blessing--to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy and rest as He modeled for us in Creation (Exodus 20:8-11). "Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy" not only for Himself, but for His own, you and me (Exodus 20:11).
As your schedule amps up this season, remember to block off time for the one who will make you lie down in green pastures!
Jesus' life was full of busy seasons, especially during his three years of open ministry. Loads of people followed him like a celebrity before the advent of paparazzi. Often times, he was called upon by the sick, the poor, and even his own disciples for guidance and direction. Given his fully human nature, I suspect he was susceptible just like us to exhaustion and overload.
Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert (or apparently even an "ambivert"), having time alone with God is important to get our hearts and minds and physical bodies in the right position to serve Him faithfully. Jesus modeled several times the importance of carving out time to be alone and pray (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; Matthew 4:1-11; Matthew 26:36).
It's important not only to have a quiet time with God to honor God and give him our best, but it is also for our benefit. David shares in his psalm that God "maketh me lie down in green pastures" (Psalm 23:2). I recently noted that God had to force David to rest! Aren't we the same?
When we obey God to lie down in green pastures--enjoying the present blessings around us--we can recharge with the help of the Lord Almighty. It is through him that we can receive His peace "which surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). It is our duty--and our blessing--to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy and rest as He modeled for us in Creation (Exodus 20:8-11). "Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy" not only for Himself, but for His own, you and me (Exodus 20:11).
As your schedule amps up this season, remember to block off time for the one who will make you lie down in green pastures!
Written by: Claire McAuliffe
Comments
Post a Comment