Getaway With God

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. (Mark 6:31, ESV)

In the busyness of life, we often find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of constant activity, crushed and dashed by the waves of problems. With constant demands on our time and energy, we often neglect the importance of stepping away from the hustle and bustle to find true renewal. Jesus recognized this need for His disciples and invited them to take a break, to come away to a desolate place and rest.  From work to family obligations to social responsibilities, it can feel like there’s no time to pause, rest, or renew. In Mark 6:31, Jesus invites us to take a step back from the noise and chaos to find refreshment in His presence. This invitation — “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while” — is not just for the disciples; it’s for us too.

The Need for Rest
Jesus knew that His disciples were exhausted. They had been busy ministering, teaching, and serving, yet their physical and emotional energy was drained. Jesus didn’t reprimand them for their weariness; instead, He lovingly invited them to come away and rest. He understood the importance of renewal and how vital it is to take time to recharge spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

Similarly, we too need periods of rest. Life can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to burn out. However, Jesus offers us an essential reminder: rest is not a luxury, but a necessity. It’s not about escaping responsibilities, but about finding moments of solitude to reconnect with God, refresh our spirits, and find peace.

Renewal begins with intentionality. Just as Jesus intentionally took His disciples away from the crowds, we must also be intentional about carving out time to be with God. Whether it's a few minutes in the morning, a quiet walk in the evening, or a dedicated time of retreat, these moments of solitude with God allow us to recharge and refocus.

A Getaway with God
The “desolate place” Jesus speaks of is a quiet, unhurried space where the noise of the world fades away, allowing for an intimate time with God. It’s in these moments of solitude that we can reflect on God’s goodness, hear His voice more clearly, and experience the renewal only He can offer. Just as the disciples needed time to be refreshed, so do we.
In our busy lives, it’s easy to neglect the importance of intentionally carving out time with God. A “getaway with God” may look different for each person — it could be a quiet walk, a time of prayer, or simply sitting in stillness. What matters is that we step away from the distractions and allow God to restore our souls.

Renewal in His Presence
When we get away with God, we open ourselves up to His restorative power. In His presence, we find rest for our weary hearts and minds. He renews our strength, gives us clarity, and fills us with His peace. It's in these moments that we are reminded of His love and faithfulness, and we gain the perspective we need to navigate the challenges of life.

As we respond to Jesus' invitation to come away and rest, let us remember that this time is not just about physical rest, but about spiritual renewal. It’s about reconnecting with our Creator and allowing Him to refresh our souls. Let us prioritize these getaways with God, knowing that in His presence, we find the true renewal we seek.  Rest in God's presence is not just about taking a break — it's about allowing Him to refill us with His peace and joy, so we can keep moving forward with His strength, not our own.

A Prayer for Renewal
Lord, we thank You for the invitation to come away and rest in Your presence. We acknowledge that our lives can become too busy, and we need Your help to find time for renewal. Thank You for being our source of strength, peace, and rest. Help us to set aside moments where we can connect with You, hear Your voice, and be renewed in our spirits. In Your precious name, we pray. Amen.