Permission to Rest

Mark 1:32–35

Additional Scripture Readings: Psalm 46:10; Zechariah 2:13

Many of us tend to believe that the answer to our problems is to work harder, push further and achieve more. When was the last time we gave ourselves permission to rest?

Jesus shows us the reality of how to balance hard work and intense rest. In Mark 1:32–34, after Jesus had healed Peter’s mother-in-law and had driven out an evil spirit from a man in the synagogue, he met all the people of the town, healing many and driving out demons. These “extra” events probably took him the better part of the night. No one could accuse Jesus of kicking back on the job.

But look at the other side of the story. The very next morning Jesus got up early and went away to pray, to be alone and away from the demands of the ministry.


And what about us? We all need rest. We need to occasionally sit down with a cup of tea and ignore the chaos around us. We need to hand over the little ones to our husbands and go for a walk. Don’t believe the lie that overwork works. Believe Jesus.

Today's reading is from the Mom's Devotional Bible by Zondervan Mom, you don't have to go it alone! The Mom's Devotional Bible is a trusted source of wisdom to help you along the path of mothering.

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