During a particularly tense period at work, I found that the stress was making it difficult to concentrate. My mind was constantly racing, and I struggled to focus even on Bible study and prayer. I had to learn to deliberately separate and guard my heart from prevailing winds—wherever they came from.
Jesus understood the importance of taking steps to preserve our mental well-being. In the midst of a bustling public ministry that included miracles such as restoring eyesight, healing the sick, and raising the dead, He “often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer” (Luke 5:16).
He also taught His disciples to rest. When the disciples came back from proclaiming His message (Mark 6:7,12), they were eager to tell Jesus about everything they’d done and taught (Mark 6:30). After all, they’d preached repentance, cast out demons, and healed many sick people. Jesus listened to them, but then said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He did this because He knew they needed rest: “There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat” (Mark 6:31).
David offers another example of intentionally caring for ourselves in the middle of anxiety. In Psalm 131:1-2, King David stated that he didn’t “concern [himself] with matters too great for [him]. . . . Instead, [he] calmed and quieted [himself], like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk.” David illustrated the intentionality of calming and quieting our minds by choosing not to dwell on disquieting matters, but rather settling our minds by putting our “hope in the Lord” (Psalm 131:3).
May we too learn to come apart from the bustle and busyness of life and refresh ourselves in Jesus.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Mark 4:1-29
More:
Read Isaiah 30:15 for God’s words to Israel during a period of unrest.
Next:
Are you able to turn off the mental chatter related to stressful or difficult situations and find rest in God? Why or why not? How can you truly rest in Him?
Gary Shultz on July 9, 2017 at 7:13 am
Hi Remi: I with some regularity hang out here at ODJ. I do find you need rest of mind, soul, and body, it is a reminder that we are mortal, and only human. It also reminds that God has an eternal life waiting to those who chose to surrender to the Lord of Host’s. However, I can’t just be in space for a long period of time, I have to focus on something peaceful. So, rest for me is more of a refocusing on things, well, like ODB & ODJ, reading scripture and sometimes, most relaxing, listening to good music. I know this article is not about music, but for myself, I enjoy music to refocus the mind to the call of praise and worship. To me also, when you think you have to burn all your jets wide open, is maybe the time when you need the rest, to back away, get a godly peace and perspective. I do not believe the mental struggle or stress is too different from the battles of old, where all had to be placed on God for the victory. Thanks Remi
remioyedele2015 on July 9, 2017 at 2:37 pm
Hello Gary,
I also enjoy music as a means of relaxation and refocusing, so I think it is fair game! Reading also works wonders for me, though I have to be careful not to get immersed to the exclusion of everything else… 🙂 Thank God for providing us with so many avenues of rest!
Be blessed,
Remi
minkjh on July 9, 2017 at 5:16 pm
Alone time with Jesus- now what could possibly top that! Those few instances recorded in the gospels beg contemplation on what that alone time meant for the twelve. No doubt much would have been revealed to them that from a kingdom perspective went significantly deeper than preaching to the masses, especially so that evening in the Upper Room.
jenness2014 on July 9, 2017 at 11:23 pm
I want to find rest in God, but I don’t know how. Every night it seems that my mind is racing with thoughts, stress and such and I can’t stop it. Sometimes even during the day when depression and anxiety hits, I struggle to find rest. Can’t focus on one thing not even in prayer or my devotionals.
remioyedele2015 on July 14, 2017 at 11:17 pm
Hello Jen,
Would you pray these words?
“Lord Jesus, I know that you are the Prince of Peace, and that you keep those whose minds are stayed on you in perfect peace. Please help me today and always to keep my mind stayed and focused on you, so that I may receive the rest you have for me. In your name, I silence every assault of noise on my mind and heart. Thank you for being my refuge and hiding place. In Jesus Name, Amen.”
I will also be praying that you find rest and peace in Jesus arms.
Be blessed,
R