Game Changer Week 2 Devotional Day 1

Game Changer Week 2 Devotional Day 1

DAY 1 – Monday

Daily devotional

Read

Mark 6:30-44; Psalm 23:1-2; John 14:27; Re-read Mark 6:30-32 (our focus for today)

Ask

Jesus and his followers “had no leisure even to eat”. Jesus invites them to “come away by themselves to a desolate place and rest for a while”. How do you relate to the disciples at this point in the story?

Reflect

It’s the start of a new week – Monday! I can have pretty busy days. Most of the time I have to intentionally plan to rest. I can fill my days busily meeting with people, doing things, accomplishing tasks, planning the next activity…that I can end up getting burned out. I don’t stop to rest enough. But – when I do, I experience the peace that Jesus promises! In John 14:27, he tells us that he gives us his peace. Jesus contrasts this to what the world can offer. Amazing!

I relate to what the disciples must have been feeling after their hard work that Jesus sent them to do. They come back, report to Jesus all that had happened, and he says “Rest…”. More than just resting, his invitation to rest is what strikes me. Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place (v.31), he says.

Recently, at the women’s retreat, I was praying and I had a picture of myself alone in the middle of a green pasture, with grass swaying in a light breeze. Then I saw Jesus. He reached out his hand, and I grabbed it. This beautiful picture reminded me of a Psalm that is so very well known to many people. In Psalm 23:2, it says that the Lord makes me lie down in green pastures (v.2). Again, an invitation to rest. The verse goes on: he leads me beside quiet waters. The invitation to rest, and to experience the peace of Christ, is there. He is with us, and this offer does not expire! We just need to accept it, and willingly go and be with him – to rest.

Will you be with him today? Will you stop, rest and receive Jesus’ peace?

Jesus, today I want your peace. Let my heart not be troubled, and may I rest in you, trusting that your peace is better than anything I can experience in life. Amen.