Session 11

Are you in need of a little R&R?

From Matthew: A 28-Day Devotional

We all have situations, issues, problems, and discomforts that push us and pull us this way and that, leaving us overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted. Matthew 14 begins with Jesus experiencing one of those situations

One of Jesus' closest friends just died, and He needed time to reflect. Jesus withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place (Matthew 14:13). Although Jesus was looking for space and quiet, He didn't receive it right then. "When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick" (Matthew 14:14).

Rest is a command from God, but so is loving our neighbors. Too often, we can ignore one at the expense of the other. We over focus on loving others and neglect the need to take care of our own spiritual and emotional health. Or, we over focus on resting and neglect the hurting people around us, justifying our actions as “needing some me time.”

Jesus showed us that these two ideas — resting well and loving others well — can coexist. 

The people followed Jesus, and He met their needs, putting them before Himself. But Jesus still found time for rest. After this, He rearranged His schedule to make time for God, going "up on a mountainside by himself to pray" (Matthew 14:23).

By drawing close to God, Jesus’ spirit was renewed, and He was able to do many miracles for those He loved. As we take time to draw closer to God, we feel more encouraged and equipped to manage our hectic schedules and enjoy all life has to offer. God can do miracles in and through us if we put Him first. Just as God poured into His Son when they spent time together, He will renew us so we can do the work He has for us. We can only begin to imagine the miracles we will be witness to when our eyes are solely upon our creator.

Reflect

• Jesus was the perfect role model of how to steward our time and put God first. How are you modeling this behavior in your own life?
• What is a one way you can rearrange your day to spend more quality time with God?
• How can you serve more people in your life who may desperately need your time and attention?