Grace in Fatigue

The cares and work of our daily lives can leave us drained and weary.  Jesus’ disciples came to Him after going on a preaching trip and He could see their need for rest.  It is the grace of Jesus Christ that He knows our needs.  He said to the disciples to come apart and rest a while.  He calls us to the same escape from the labors of life.  Because He cares for us He calls us to take some time alone with Him.

A lovely hymn of unknown origin, “Sitting at the Feet of Jesus”, reminds us of the value of time spent alone with Him.  The first stanza of this hymn reads, “Sitting at the feet of Jesus, Oh, what words I hear Him say! Happy place! So near, so precious! May it find me there each day. Sitting at the feet of Jesus, I would look upon the past; for His love has been so gracious, it has won my heart at last.”  This is what Jesus calls us to, a happy place so near so precious.  What was it like for the disciples to spend time alone with Jesus?  That is the same experience He calls all His present day disciples to enjoy with Him as well.

The second stanza of the hymn adds further details of this blessed time together. “Sitting at the feet of Jesus, where can mortal be more blest? There I lay my sins and sorrows and, when weary, find sweet rest. Sitting at the feet of Jesus, there I love to weep and pray, while I from His fullness gather grace and comfort every day.”  Isn’t that what we really need each day – some real rest?  Isn’t it good to have someone we can talk to that will really listen and care?  Isn’t it refreshing to have someone tell us they really love us each day and sincerely mean it?  Isn’t it strengthening to have someone come along side us and say that they will be there with us all day to take on whatever comes our way? These are the blessings we get in time alone with God each day for Bible reading, prayer, devotional thought and the uplifting strength of song.

These disciples were no different than we.  They were flesh and blood.  They grew tired and faced temptations.  Jesus said to them, “Come apart and rest.”  He extends the same invitation of grace to us each day.  Enjoy these quiet moments with Him and His promise to be with you the rest of the day.  

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