How can I find the time to come away by myself with Jesus like He asks me to in Mark 6:31?

~ Today’s Scripture art and Mark 6:31 devotion reveals the secret to finding the time to “come away” with Jesus by yourself to a quiet place and get some rest. ~

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I helped our women’s ministry with a One-Day Retreat last Saturday. And you know how helping can be sometimes – all Martha, Martha, Martha (said in my Brady Bunch voice) instead of Mary. (Luke 10:38-42)

The speaker was a precious gal from my Sunday School class who has a big heart for prayer and I did not want to miss a single word! So I determined in advance to “Mary-nate” my day even though I was helping.

I am happy to report it was a wonderful day! I took lots of notes, as hoped. My friend did an amazing job speaking and communicating. We all were inspired and renewed as the Lord was glorified.

And the day was chock full of Scripture – just how I like it!

Our theme for the day was Mark 6:31 NIV:

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.”

Ever been there? Coming and going so much that you didn’t have a chance to eat? I’ve heard it can happen. {grin}

Is this the perfect verse for “today’s crazy-busy woman,” or what? (Did you picture me doing finger quotes?) It was written thousands of years ago, but oh how it still applies today! Go ahead, read it again.

See?

So, yes, we agree it’s perfect – and true – and been around quite a while but the burning question really is: have we learned from it?

We’ve had ample time.

Yet women are busier than ever. And believe me, I know that many times we can’t change that.

So. What to do? What to do?

I’m not here to tell you to give up something. Just the opposite.

Jesus says, “Come away with me by yourself.”

That is where rest is found.

When we’re crazy-busy, adding “Come Away Time” to find Rest is imperative.

I know that.

But …

Does my life reflect that I’ve transferred that head knowledge to my heart?

Do I actually “come away” with Him by myself?

We spent our one-day retreat learning how to get better at coming away and abiding with Him.

It was so good.

John 15:4: Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

Emphasis added for my own reminder.

So exactly how can we learn to grow in the area of abiding? How can we move it from head knowledge to our hearts?

This Mark 6:31 devotion reveals the secret to finding the time to come away with Jesus by yourself to a quiet place and get some rest.
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“Come away with me by yourself.”

Do it to learn it.

We were shown how Scripture is full of examples of passionate people who took real steps to grow in abiding – steps to develop their spiritual eyes and ears.

2 Kings 6:16-17: He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Just ask!

Ephesians 1:17-19 NIV: I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

Ask to know Him better.

Tell Him you’re not asking for anything but Him.

Learn to encounter God in His Word.

Hebrews 5:14: But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

Constant practice.

“Come away with Me by yourself.”

Make it a habit to commune with God through the day. Moment by moment, breath by breath, become aware of God’s presence.

Psalm 53:2 (Amp): God has looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there is anyone who understands, Who seeks after God [who requires Him, who longs for Him as essential to life].

This verse in the Amplified version – WOW. Do we require Him as essential to life?

Require!

As in, can’t get through the day without Him!

Do we long for Him?

I think we’re on to something here.

You’ve probably heard it said that people do what they want to do. Busy people somehow find the time to do what they love.

Could the key be love?

Jacob served Laban 7 years, but the Bible says it seemed like only a few days because of his love for Rachel (Genesis 29:18-20). All his other desires were put in the proper place because of love.

Jesus stuck with this earthly life and suffered greatly because He loved us (1 John 4:9). There is only one thing He didn’t have before the cross that He would have after.

That would be us.

Love provided the self-control to do what needed to be done.

But always remember: exercising self-control is freedom, not bondage.

Proverbs 25:28: A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

What will give us self-control when crazy-busy comes calling?

Love.

Love drives priorities.

First comes love and devotion … then hidden treasures.

Like rest. And wisdom.

Colossians 2:3: in Christ, whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

It’s vital.

To help you grow in love and devotion for Jesus and to build the habit of “Come Away” time, consider praying these 30 Scripture prayers …

Want bigger faith? Watch the Lord work in your life when you pray these specific verses from His Word!
*My prayer for you is … that this blog will inspire you to open your Bible every single day to seek God’s face and write His Word on your heart – because HE’S the key to lasting heart change!

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How can I find the time to come away by myself with Jesus like He asks me to in Mark 6:31?

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