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

 

 If you like reading these reflections, please tell your friends and “follow" my blog. To do this, click on the following link:  -> https://www.blogger.com/manage-blogs-following.g

Click "Add" and type in my blog URL: intoflame.blogspot.com

Select your preference and click "follow." Thanks!

Take Time to Recharge

                        

 “…aspire to live a tranquil life…” –1 Thessalonians 4:11

During His ministry, Jesus was a busy guy: healing cripples, feeding multitudes, casting out demons, forgiving sins. Huge crowds followed Him, wanting to hear His hopeful message of God’s love and maybe witness a miracle. He frequently made it a point, though, to get away from the crowds to recharge. Was His intent to hide from the people? Not at all. He removed Himself physically so that He could let the Father refresh Him spiritually.

Since we also are called to serve the people God has put in our life, it’s good for us to take time to ‘get away from it all’ on a regular basis – away from our routine, our phone and other devices – and let Him refresh us. Stepping away even for a little while brings about a surprisingly freeing feeling. There are countless ways to do this. My husband and I have found hiking and tent camping to be the ultimate getaways! They say that walking relieves stress, and following marked, scenic trails in the woods gives you time to relax, reflect, and pray. Camping immerses you in the wonders of God’s magnificent creation.  You don’t have to camp or hike a trail, though, to find this serenity. Getting away could be as simple as unplugging and sitting in a quiet room, on your porch swing or a park bench, or taking a walk around your neighborhood, and thanking God for your many blessings. Getting away also could be much bigger, like going on a retreat for a day or a weekend. No matter how you do it, the point is to step out of your routine, free yourself from your electronics and other distractions, and invite God to refresh you spiritually.

This doesn’t mean you run away and ignore what’s happening in the world around you. On the contrary, when you take a step back, you open your eyes to the world as God created it, with all its beauty and goodness. You make room in your heart for more of God’s love so that you can share it generously with the people you encounter each day, in your particular circumstances:

^“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” –Romans 12:21

Strive to live in tranquility. Step away for a bit to recharge. Frequently invite God to refresh your spirit.

“Lord, help me ‘get away’ with You so that I can serve You in others better.”

To receive notifications of future posts, please "follow" my blog. To do this, click on the following link

 -> https://www.blogger.com/manage-blogs-following.g

Click "Add" and type in my blog URL: intoflame.blogspot.com

Select your preference and click "follow."