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, ESV)
Hello Friends!
First, thank you for subscribing to my blog! I love to write, and I am honestly a little surprised that people read my musings! But it’s a joy, and I appreciate your engagement with my content.
Second, I have been a little behind. In August, I started doctoral studies at Moody Theological Seminary, and it’s been somewhat challenging to keep up with everything! Even blogging every other week has proved difficult. I will keep plugging away, however; better late than never!
In the mid-1700s, pastor and missionary John Wesley began teaching people to gather in small groups for prayer, Scripture, and mutual encouragement in discipleship. Each time they came together, their first question was, “How is it with your soul?”1
What a fantastic question!
My soul is tired. Recently, the Lord has been convicting me that my spiritual practices are imbalanced. I have many striving spiritual disciplines: Bible reading, intercessory prayer, participating in church gatherings, journaling, learning, and serving. But I don’t have many resting practices. This is due in part to a busy season of life (I did just start a doctoral program). But, if I’m honest, that’s an excuse. My personality is to get things done. I like action steps, checklists, and work. I am not naturally wired to rest, wait, quiet my mind, or contemplate.
But spiritual formation requires both striving and resting. Yes, there is work to do. But we also must receive. Jesus called his disciples to a “desolate place” so they could rest. How is it with my soul? I need a desolate place. God is good. Life is abundant. And… you and I are still human. There is always more work to finish. The to-do list is never completed. We simply cannot do it all.
I will try to keep up with my biweekly blogs. But I may miss a week. And that’s okay. You will keep reading through your Bible reading plan. But you may miss a day. And that’s okay. Sometimes the spiritual discipline we need most is a nap!
As one of my good friends said to me a few years ago, “Remember, God made you a human being, not a human doing.”
How is it with your soul?
Ruth Haley Barton, Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry (InterVarsity Press, 2018), 24.
Your timing is impeccable. I have a close friend that really needs to see this. I've been trying to convince her of this but she is only somewhat receptive. Seeing this coming from you will certainly get her attention. She has thought your words to be very wise for years.
I was just thinking about you and how you were doing in the busyness department. Then you posted this blog. See Exodus 18. May it give you peace and assurance while you rest.