Come Away and Rest Awhile”

And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”

—Mark 6:31

DEVO:

We’re taught to hustle. To stay busy. To push through exhaustion and wear our stress like a badge of honor. But Jesus never praised burnout. In fact, He often pulled away from the crowds—even from ministry—to be alone with the Father. The world needs mental health days, but we don't. We need Spiritual Health Days! His Spirit heals the mind.

Just like your body needs rest to heal, your spirit needs restoration too. In recovery, especially biblical Christian recovery, spiritual health days aren’t optional—they’re vital. These are intentional moments to unplug from chaos, quiet the noise, and refocus your heart on Christ. They're not about checking out of life, but checking back in with the Lord Jesus.

Jesus told His disciples to come away and rest—not after everything was done, but in the middle of the work. Why? Because spiritual strength doesn’t come from doing more, but from being still with God. Taking time to read His Word, worship, pray, journal, or even just sit in His presence resets the soul and strengthens your fight.

You don’t need to wait until you’re falling apart to take a spiritual health day. Build them in now. Make it a habit. Prioritize your time with God like your life depends on it—because in recovery, it truly does.

SCRIPTURES FOR MEDITATION:

• Psalm 23:1–3 – He restores my soul…

• Matthew 11:28 – Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

• Isaiah 40:29–31 – Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.

• Luke 5:16 – So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.

TODAY'S GOAL:

Schedule a “spiritual health hour” or full day this week. Unplug from distractions and pour into your soul. Don’t feel guilty—God commands rest because He knows we need it.

INTROSPECTION & JOURNALING:

When was the last time I truly rested in God's presence without distractions?

What usually keeps me from taking spiritual rest seriously?

How can I build spiritual rest into my weekly routine?

What happens to my attitude, thoughts, and choices when I neglect time alone with God?

PRAYER:

Abba Father, thank You for inviting me to come away with You. I admit I often fill my days with noise and pressure, but I long for Your peace. Help me carve out space to rest in You, to sit at Your feet, and be renewed. Restore my soul, reset my focus, and remind me that in Your presence is where my strength is found. In Jesus’ name, Amen.