I Wonder If Jesus Found It Hard to Do Too (Rest)

I do wonder if Jesus found it hard to do too…. rest that is.

Jesus rest

I’ve decided to take a two-week break from my computers. There I typed it and said it. A part of me feels relieved; another part wants to erase that sentence, even though it’s for a very good reason. I’m taking time to rest, refresh, and reconnect to the man I married 30 years ago.

Yet, I’m surprised by how difficult that idea is to put in place. I love to encourage others. Complete my tasks. Feel like I’m making a difference. While I know the importance of being rested and refilled (and of course, nurturing my marriage, I felt I could still write when inspiration struck and achieve both objectives. It took my firstborn to open my eyes to the foolishness of that idea. On a recent drive with him, I lamented on how hard it would be to put away my computer (my personal computer I use for my writing, not the work computer I edit on) for two weeks. Daniel glanced my way and quietly said, “That’s exactly why you need to do it.”

He’s right. I need to learn how to disconnect … to slow down. To be fully present with my surroundings and the people I’m with. 

We Need Rest

We can’t go full out, giving and doing endlessly. At some point, we need to slow down, take a break, and let God fill us back up. 

We can't go full out, giving and doing endlessly. At some point, we need to slow down, take a break, and let God fill us back up. Share on X

So why is it so hard? Throughout His ministry, Jesus would go off on His own, to escape from the pressures of ministry, to refill and refresh, to reconnect with His Father undistracted by His work.

Was this hard for Him? I have to think it was. He knew He had limited time on earth, and so many people were lost and hurting, and He had the answer. He was the answer! How could He step away from that, even temporarily? 

Because He needed to, and He knew it. If the Lord God of the universe knew to rest His earthly body, mind, and spirit, why do I think I don’t have to? 

Whether Jesus found it hard to step away periodically from His work or not, He did it. And it’s a great example for us to follow, even when it’s hard. Maybe even more so because it’s hard! 

I wonder if Jesus found it hard to periodically step away from His work. Regardless, He did it. And it's a great example for us to follow, even when it's hard. Maybe even more so because it's hard! Share on X

So good-bye for now. God willing, I’ll be back near the end of October. More ready than ever to offer some encouragement and share what the Lord is teaching me about His real hope in the midst of the real struggles in our real life. One of those lessons is the need to get away to rest and refill. 

“After dismissing the crowds, [Jesus] went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Well into the night, he was there alone” Matthew 14:23, CSB.

Reflections: Are you needing to rest? Is it hard for you? If so, why is that? If so, that’s exactly why you need to! 

Love and blessings!