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

In today’s fast-paced world fixated on results, it’s easy to forget to rest. When we define ourselves by our achievements and work, we may even feel guilty resting!

God tells us in the Bible that rest is crucial. He calls it Sabbath. In the Old Testament, this was one of the main ways God’s people distinguished themselves from those around them. They kept a day of rest as set apart for God. Today, we need Sabbath just as desperately! Without it, we can quickly become burned out, numb, and exhausted.

In rest, we encounter God and let Him minister wholeness to our souls, minds, and bodies. Our confidence is not in our ability to “do.” Our confidence is in Him. Sabbath rest also shows our partnership and intimacy with God. Being able to come to Him when we are weary and receive from Him shows we really do trust and love Him.

When Jesus’s disciples returned from performing mighty miracles in His name, Jesus said, “Let’s draw away from the crowds for a while and go to a quiet place” (Mark 6:30-32). Just as God modeled rest for us after creation, Jesus modeled the balance of Sabbath while sent to a world full of pain and need. Jesus often drew away from the crowds to pray, experiencing joy and fellowship with His Father, allowing Him to guide Him in everything. That’s God’s model for ministering to a world in desperate need! And it is key to sustainable growth, faith, and love.

Put Sabbath on your calendar. Ask Jesus to show you the peace of resting in Him. Let Him meet you and minister to you.