Choose to Rest

Things on empty don’t work. “Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.” — Proverbs 2:11 (NLT) “The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.” — Mark 6:30–32 1. Rest is essential for your spiritual vitality. “ ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.” — Mark 6:31-32 2. Rest reveals our dependence on God. “[God] does not faint or grow weary…He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.  Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.” — Isaiah 40:28b-31a 3. Rest leads to effective ministry. - Rest empowers us to be more compassionate towards people. “When he went ashore he saw a great crowd and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.” — Mark 6:34 - Rest yields a growing discernment. “And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.’ But he answered them, ‘You give them something to eat.’ ” — Mark 6:35-37 How do we refill our tank? a. Prioritize Quiet Time. - We get alone with God. “Give us this day our daily bread.” — Matthew 6:11 - Read the Word. - Spend time in worship and prayer. - Plan your day. b. Prioritize Family. - Best Summer Yet book. - Take a vacation. c. Plan Purposefully. - Plan a doable schedule that includes service to your family, service to your church, your personal responsibilities, and proper rest. - Purge Screen Time. - Proper rest (sleep).