After being around so many disciples of Christ I am perplexed by how many Christians struggle with with depression and anxiety. For years I was a chronic worrier and stressed out about everything. I tended to bottle up my feelings until I became explosive or implosive (which is just as dangerous).
When we do this we become depressed or anxious. We tend to be harder to get along with and become more isolated from others. At this point we lose our effectiveness for God's Kingdom. This is scary!
As I think about this I am reminded of a time when Jesus was with His disciples at Simon and Andrew's house.(Mark 1:29-39) Simon's mother-in-law was sick and Jesus healed her. It tells us that that evening after the sun had set people "brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed" Jesus began healing them and casting out demons. It says the whole town was there. Jesus was pouring Himself out for these people again and again.
Can you imagine how draining this could be?
I can picture an exhausted Jesus climbing into bed feeling the weight of the world setting on His shoulders. If you are like me you might think I just want to sleep in. I need a day off, or we might yell to any who will listen, "I NEED A VACATION!!"
Mark gives us a different picture. Instead of sleeping-in Jesus got up (while it was still dark) and went to be alone with the Father. (went off to a solitary place, where he prayed)When this happened Jesus was revitalized, He found the rest that only the Father can provide. (I see this as one of those great human moments in Christ's life)
The other thing that happens is Jesus is able to refocus. When the disciples found Him they were all set on Jesus going back to the house and get back to healing and casting out demons but Jesus was focused on the mission at hand. vs 38 "Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.""
Jesus set aside the stresses of the night before and focused on God's design for today. Do we need to sacrifice a little shut eye so that we can get focused on God's plan for today?
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