Sometimes we have stress from hard work and labor, even if this hard work and labor is ministering for the Lord. Jesus had a simple remedy for such stress – come apart to a place alone, rest a while, and pray.
While Jesus was training His disciples, a tragic event took place. This event was the death of John the Baptist at the hand of Herod. News of this death came at a time that was particularly busy. Jesus’ apostles had been sent out to do some work. They preached the gospel, healed the sick, cast out devils.
When the disciples were done doing the work they had been sent to do, they came back to Jesus and reported to Him. “And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.” (Mark 6:30)
The disciples were weary after all their labor, “31) And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. 32) And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.” In this particular situation, people saw them departing, found out where they went, and a big crowd followed them. They did not get the rest they had planned on. However, Jesus was showing them what they should do when they have worked hard and are weary in body, mind, and spirit. They should go to a quiet place, away from disturbances and labor, and they should rest.
After Jesus and the disciples had once again ministered to the crowds and fed them, Jesus sent the people away. When they were gone, “…he departed into a mountain to pray.” (Mark 6:46) Jesus went away to pray alone on several occasions. The accounts of these times can be read in Mark 1:35, Matthew 14:23, and Luke 6:12.
Sometimes we give and give and our minds and bodies and spirits are so tired. We need to be spiritually recharged, and we need a rest from labor. In these times, it is OK to come apart and find a quiet, solitary place to rest a while.
Did You Think to Pray?
1. Ere you left your room this morning,
Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ, our Savior,
Did you sue for loving favor
As a shield today?
Chorus:
Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day.
So, when life gets dark and dreary,
Don’t forget to pray.
2. When you met with great temptation,
Did you think to pray?
By His dying love and merit,
Did you claim the Holy Spirit
As your guide and stay?
3. When your heart was filled with anger,
Did you think to pray?
Did you plead for grace, my brother,
That you might forgive another
Who had crossed your way?
4. When sore trials came upon you,
Did you think to pray?
When your soul was full of sorrow,
Balm of Gilead did you borrow
At the gates of day?
~Mary A. Kidder