Recharge, Refresh, and Renew

When Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself...and after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up to the mountain by himself to pray. -Matthew 14:13-14, 23-24 (NIV)

In between all of the episodes of Jesus having compassion for others and curing them of their infirmities, Jesus withdraws to a quiet place. Although he does not say it expressly, I know from personal experience how time away can recharge, refresh, and renew a person for the tasks ahead.

It’s easy to get caught up in the day to day demands of ministry and life. If I am going to be faithful and fruitful to what God calls me to do, be, and say, I must make time for recharging, refreshing, and renewing my faith.

May God grant you the grace to be reminded that it is not only appropriate but necessary to get away from the office, the phone, from everything, to seek renewal from God.

Tomorrow's readings are 2 Samuel 3, 1 Chronicles 12, and Matthew 15.