Summer is supposed to be a season of joy and refreshment. But for many of us it has quietly become one of the most exhausting times of year. This week’s post takes an honest look at what happens when good things pile up, why soul rest that actually restores us is so hard to find, and what Jesus had to say about the whole thing long before anyone invented a vacation itinerary.
Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.
Summer. A season of weddings, vacations to the beach or mountains (or both), gardening, family reunions, church camp, VBS, pools and popsicles. It’s all wonderful. But I’m tired. Just thinking about all the things makes me winded. I’m carrying too much. I need a vacation from my vacation.
This week a friend texted me:
Are you back from all your travels yet? Yes and no. I’m in between trips. You’ve been busy. Yes. I need a vacation from summer. I hope you get a nap.
Too Much of a Good Thing
There can be too many good things. And I’ll admit I battle FOMO — the fear of missing out. This alone makes it hard to say no when opportunities come. Not to mention the guilt that looms when I’m not busy doing something.
But after two full months of constant activity and continuing motion, I’m noticing significant changes. My mind won’t slow down to focus. I snap at my husband. Sleep is evasive. Writing words feels like pulling teeth. (Tragedy for a writer!) Vacations are for relaxation and enjoyment. But I’m more exhausted than ever trying to fit it all in.
Why God Designed Rest as Part of Human Life
Ceaseless striving isn’t healthy. And it’s not what God had in mind for us. From the beginning, even before the curse — when the ground was tender and fruitful for Adam and Eve — God established a pattern of rest (Genesis 2:2). He didn’t need rest. His supply of energy is endless. But he set a precedent for humanity to follow. Rest is part of the rhythm of living.
Jesus reinforced this pattern in the New Testament. He often separated himself from the crowd to get alone with the Father. In Mark 6 Jesus tells the disciples to get away from the crowd to a “desolate place” for some much needed rest. After being sent out to do ministry, the disciples returned exhilarated, but exhausted. They needed time to process what they had experienced — to rest and prepare for the coming days.
Alone on Purpose
This desolate place was meant to be more than a vacation. It was a call to pull away from the world — to separate themselves for a moment. To get alone. Historically, the barren land is where God shaped his people. He brought food from the sky and water from a rock (Exodus 16 & 17). And it was here, years later, that Jesus defeated the schemes of the enemy with the Word (Matthew 4). The solitary wilderness is the place his people experienced God’s power and provision in ways they never expected.
But the wilderness wasn’t just about provision. Jesus wanted the disciples to cease from their work, to stop striving, and to find rest. He knew the disciples, who barely had time to eat a meal, were hungry for more than physical food. Jesus wanted them to pause for some much needed soul rest after carrying the heavy burden of ministry.
What I Learned Carrying Boxes
When we moved my daughter and her husband to a new house a couple of weeks ago, I helped her carry boxes. After two or three trips, I was out of breath and sweat poured down my face. For a second, I sat in the cool AC and drank water. I rested. The delicious feeling of pause after hard work is rest. It means letting go of the weight. Ceasing activity in our own strength and falling back into the strong grip of God. It means becoming still in his presence.
Finding My Own Soul Rest
Jesus knows my weakness. He knows how much my mind and body can withstand. So he invites me to let go of my burdens. To take time away. Sometimes this means a few minutes at the beginning of the day to read and study the Bible. A kind of reset. Other times, it means I need to step away for a season. To reevaluate and pray for God’s direction.
Life doesn’t stop just because I get tired. In between the camps and the crazy, in the midst of the busy-ness of summer, Jesus invites me to stop and breathe. To let go of the desire to do everything for everyone all the time. He invites me into the desolate place for a time of refreshing and renewal. And when I choose to go and sit in his presence, there is where I find true rest.
Where are you finding rest this week? Share in the comments — I would love to hear from you.
Good reminder! I’m finding myself with too much time on my hands, wishing for busy-ness since Mike and Haven are gone. Aspen and fam have been exposed to COVID so I’ve had to separate from them for a while. Hope you are savoring the time with Lili this summer! Love you friend!