The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone.
Mark 6:30-32 NLT
Rechargeable batteries are nothing new. In 1859 French physicist Gaston Planté invented the lead–acid battery. The lead-acid battery eventually became the first rechargeable electric battery marketed for commercial use.
Imagine how surprised Planté would be if he could see how dependent we’ve become on his invention. The modern world would not exist without batteries. They run our vehicles, devices, computers, and toys. Batteries are little boxes of energy that keep things powered up, but they must frequently be connected to an external power source or they run down and die – usually at the worse time. Just the other day when Lucy and I needed a flashlight, guess what was dead? Yes the batteries.
Just like batteries, God created us with internal reserves of physical, emotional, and spiritual energy. But we need frequent recharging or we’ll wear ourselves out. We’re not perpetual motion machines. After we’ve expended energy, we must rest and become replenished.
We do this physically by resting. Just prior to our Son, Paul, going on vacation, he and I were talking about the dream of taking a nap that very afternoon since we both had been going at full speed for a good while. We both knew that the nap wouldn’t come that day. But Paul did say he was going to intentionally take a couple on their vacation. His body needed recharging. I hope you and your family have been able to get some recharging in this summer or will do so this month. One of the reasons God gave the Jews the Sabbath was for “rest”. Our bodies need frequent recharging.
We recharge mentally by meditating. One of our members was discussing with me his plans for vacation. He had a couple special books he wanted to read while he and the family were away. It sure does help to get lost in a good book. When I’m reading I’m not mentally stressing about family, church, and life’s issues. Of course the best reading is done with God’s Word. So many times when I’m reading/studying the Bible it seems that God is massaging my mind – filling it with truth – giving guidance to troubling issues – easing tensions. It is so good to be able to rest in Him. In Philippians 4:7 NLT Paul says “you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Now that is rest!
We recharge spiritually by leaning on the Lord in faith and fellowship. Jesus told His disciples to come with Him to a quiet place and get some rest. That’s a divine command from Him who made us. I normally will try and take Friday afternoons to spend time with Lucy. I can’t fully tell you how that recharges me. As I focus on her – all else takes a backseat. It makes my week to hang out with my life partner. Yet that experience can’t compare to hanging out with God. He commands us to come aside and be with Him. He tells us that for two reasons. First – He really wants to spend time with us. Secondly – we really do need to spend time with Him. When you need recharging, you are low on energy and life.
And who is “life” and who has “all power”? God! Daily we need to meet with the Lord in intentional fellowship. Consistently we need to schedule other extended times with Him.
Don’t be afraid to take some time for yourself. This is a great time to recharge. Someone has said, ‘If your output exceeds your input, your upkeep will be your downfall.”
About time for another extended time with Jesus for me – Pastor Steve