Today's devotional by email really jumped out at me because of the title - "I need rest." My husband is just finishing up a short term missions trip, so I've been going it alone this week. We've been doing fine, but I am definitely feeling that I need rest. It's not going to happen as far as a nap, but it's nice to know that it's available in other ways too. This is written by Gwen Smith. Check it out...

Today's Truth
"The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 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." So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place" (Mark 6:30-32, NIV).

Friend to Friend
I spin plates. Not real plates. Metaphorical plates. I spin lots of plates at the same time and I multi-task, whether it's with small household chores or with big projects. Doesn't matter. This is both a blessing and a curse in my life. Sometimes my attention is divided in too many directions, leaving me harried ... while at other times, I'm energized by the amount of things I can get done in a small window of time. Regardless, there just never seems to be enough hours in the day to get things done or enough hours in the night to give me complete rest.

Being a plate-spinning mom can be a real challenge. When my kids want me, they don't like to wait for me to spin three more plates before I answer them. When they were smaller, they figured out a way to stop me mid-task, no matter what I was doing. They would place their chubby little hands on my cheeks, look me in the eye, and demand my full attention. Then they would deliver their message or question to me. I was their captive audience.

In Mark 6:30-32, we learn that Jesus and His apostles had been busy working for their heavenly Father. In fact, they had worked with such vigor that they hadn't even gotten a decent meal in their belly. (Boy, do I know what that's like!) In response, Jesus invited them to get away with Him so they could find some rest and rejuvenation in His presence. He said, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest" (Mark 6:31, NIV). That same invitation is extended to you and me.

God wants you to pause the plate spinning and be His captive audience in this very moment. He wants you to come away with Him to a quiet place: to be still, to gaze into His eyes, to worship Him in Spirit and in truth, to be lost in His glory, and found by His grace - to find rest.

I'd like you to imagine His strong yet gentle hands reaching for your cheeks, lifting your chin, and drawing your eyes to His. He wants you to fix your gaze on His beautiful, blazing, mercy-filled eyes. He wants your full attention. He wants to be your rest.

I co-wrote a song called "Sacred Place" that speaks to this. Please take a moment right now to listen to "Sacred Place" and personally respond to Him.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO SACRED PLACE

Let's Pray
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for all of the times I fail to give You my attention. I shake my head at the very thought that You want to lock gazes with someone like me, yet Scripture clearly tells me that You desire to be sought after and found by me. I'm here. You have my full attention, please speak to my heart and help me to be Your captive audience throughout today and everyday. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Now It's Your Turn

• Find a solitary place, grab your Bible and read Psalm 103.
• Write down your favorite verses from that chapter and journal about what they teach you.