Stop to Breathe

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31 (NIV)

Key points:

During the mid-20th century, several “expert” theorists predicted that by now, our biggest problem in the world would be too much leisure time. The fear was that we would have so much free time it would lead to excessive boredom, social alienation, and eventual complete moral decay.

Futurists imagined a world of leisure, where machines did all the work and people struggled to fill their days with hobbies, diversions, and 100% R&R.

We too often find ourselves “coming and going that we don’t even have a chance to eat”, let alone rest.

Granted, technical advancements, computers and advancing AI are constantly making our personal and working lives a lot easier and we have it pretty good, particularly in the west. But still here we are in the 21st century somehow more time-poor than ever.

With constant social media bombardment, and the seemingly endless “ping” of notifications against a culture of blurring work-life boundaries our days are filled from morning to night. We too often find ourselves “coming and going that we don’t even have a chance to eat”, let alone rest.

God didn’t create us to run nonstop. He designed rhythms of work and rest.

Jesus saw that in His disciples and, with compassion, invited them to step away and rest with Him. This gentle invitation is still open to us today.

God didn’t create us to run nonstop. He designed rhythms of work and rest. Rest isn’t laziness; it’s obedience. It’s in stillness that we hear His voice, regain strength, and remember who we are.

If you feel overwhelmed, overbooked, or overlooked, hear Jesus’ words to you. Let Him be your quiet place. Even five minutes with Him can restore peace to your soul.

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Devotion written by Robbie Parkin

Originally published as Jesus’ Invitations – Take a Breath

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