‘And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.’ (Mark 6:31)
Jesus probably was the busiest man ever. Whenever people recognized him, they “ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well” (Mark 6:55-56). Jesus healed many sick people, He cast out demons, He preached the Gospel. But there always more sick and demon-possessed people, and more people who needed to hear the Good News. People always needed more of Jesus’ time and energy.
And yet, He sometimes withdrew from the crowds (although they tried to find Him nevertheless…). Jesus needed rest too. Not just to sleep and eat, but also to spend time with his heavenly Father. More than once, we read how Jesus “went up on the mountain to pray”.
If Jesus, Who was God Himself, needed rest and time alone with God the Father, it isn’t surprising that we need this too. We can’t be available for others 24/7. And that’s totally fine.
Do you manage to take rest when you need it?