Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.
Mark 6:30-32
Can you relate to what the disciples are feeling here? They are exhausted, weary, burdened, and burned out. Too often, life is an exhausting ordeal. But here's the encouraging news: Jesus has so much compassion for you, and He desires the very best for you.
Some of you need to get away from the hectic pace of life and the stress it brings, and spend time in a quiet, deserted place with the Lord to seek His desires for you. Others of you are already in a deserted place, spiritually, where Jesus is absent from your life; you need to get out of that place and seek Jesus alone for guidance and hope and joy.
You see, not only does Jesus want to give you rest for your soul, He wants to be with you. Notice that Jesus said, "Come aside." He desires to spend time with you, because He's the one guiding you and ministering to you. He doesn't leave you alone for you to figure out what your next steps are; He's right there with you, offering His help to you.
Trust in the compassion of Jesus, not the stressful rat-race of life, to get your significance. Ask Him for rest. Ask Him for advice. Trust in the Lord with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5-6) for your next steps. And above all, find your true rest and comfort in Him.
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
