Give Yourself a Break

 

Parents know the value of giving their child a ‘time out’ when the child is overwhelmed. Jesus shows that it’s important for us to take breaks, too.

 In Matthew chapter 14, Jesus learns that Herod has beheaded John the Baptist. Jesus wants to be alone to grieve but the people find out where He is:  “As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick” (Matthew 14:13-14).

 And then, after preaching and healing all day, Jesus miraculously feeds thousands of people with only a few loaves of bread and a couple fish. The next verses tell us about His need for a ‘time out’:  “Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone” (Matthew 14:22-23).

 “Jesus insisted...” He made them go without Him; He wanted to be alone. He likely felt drained, and ached to talk to the Father about John’s death. He had wanted to get away since He first heard about John and knew this was a good time to go.  

 “Jesus insisted…”  Jesus undoubtedly wanted to thank His Father for giving Him the power and stamina to preach, heal, and feed the multitudes. He also needed to let the Father ‘recharge’ Him and had to be by Himself for this to happen.  

 “Jesus insisted…” Jesus knew He needed a break and insisted on taking it. We, too, have to make it a priority to take care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually. That’s not being selfish; that’s preserving the precious YOU God created! It’s important to ‘get away’ to God when you’re exhausted or hurting or even celebrating. Look for – or create -- little breaks in your day to turn to Him. Talk to Him about whatever’s on your mind and pay attention to what thoughts come back to you. Stop to thank Him for loving you. ‘Getting away’ to God is only impossible if you decide that it is. If you have small children, maybe the only time you have by yourself is while brushing your teeth. Stop brushing a moment, thank God for those children, and let Him refresh you -- for them.

 God loves you! Insist on ‘getting away’ to Him. Let Him recharge you.

 “Be still, and know that I am God.” --Psalm 46:10

 

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