“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” ―Mark 6:30–32, NIV
“Drop your baggage here!” was my husband’s mantra whenever we approached the span bridge crossing the inland waterway. He knew carrying the weight of the week’s worry to our place of rest would not only hamper our time away but hinder the enjoyment of those vacationing with us.
The disciples were happy to be in the company of Jesus. However, because they were busy meeting the needs of the people, they had no time to rest. They were exhausted and hungry.
Jesus understood the wearying effects of service and invited them to come away with him to a quiet place.
They welcomed his invitation. We should too. But first, there are some things we need to consider.
Before the disciples stepped into the boat and pushed away from the shore, they gathered around Jesus and shared the events of their days on the road. Together they celebrated their successes and prayed concerning their challenges. Is Jesus the one with whom we share the circumstances of our day? Do we take our challenges to him or simply dump the day’s contents on the first unsuspecting person who comes through the door?
Is there baggage we need to throw overboard before we leave for our places of rest this summer? Scripture invites us to cast our cares on the Lord.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you,”(1 Peter 5:7).
Perhaps, too many things fill our schedule―some may even be self-inflicted. Are there commitments we should have said no to and didn’t? Maybe tangible things load down our boats. Our material blessings can become burdens when we fail to use them as God intends. It’s also possible that our weight is intangible.
Sometimes we carry emotional baggage inflicted by people or events beyond our control.
Let’s examine the contents of our boats. An overloaded boat runs the risk of capsizing. We can assure that our boats stay afloat by placing our baggage at the feet of Jesus and prayerfully considering each piece. He will show us the things we need for our journey and those we should leave behind.
Make a list of the things you believe add to your boat’s instability. Then ask, “Is this a piece I need to throw overboard, something only God can eliminate, or something I need to hold on to?”
Before you travel to your place of rest this summer, toss the excess baggage. Then evenly distribute the remaining pieces and make room for God’s presence.
Cast off and enjoy your time of rest.
Now it’s your turn.
What is one thing we can do to lighten our loads before traveling to a place of rest?
I always welcome your comments.
Is there baggage we need to throw overboard before we leave for our places of rest this summer? Check out today's post -@StarrAyers2 Share on X
Indeed it is, Robin. Thank you for sharing. I’m happy my devotion blessed you.
In order to “lighten the load”, I try not to worry about things that I cannot change today (or ever). My father has quoted what Winston Churchill said about worry – it does not change anything tomorrow, it ruins today. This is easier said than done, but I try.
What a wonderfully inspiring post Ms. Starr. Thank you so much for the reminder to “check our baggage at the bridge” so we might care only what we need into our rest. Love these thoughts ma’am. Thank You!
You’re so welcome. Thanks for reading. I hope you and yours have a relaxing summer.
I ask God to help me leave the baggage behind. I ask Him to give me the peace only He can provide. Great message Starr.
Thank you, Melissa. I pray your summer is blessed. We are all having to work a bit harder this year to let go and let God, aren’t we.?
Love this advice:
Make a list of the things you believe add to your boat’s instability. Then ask, “Is this a piece I need to throw overboard, something only God can eliminate, or something I need to hold on to?”
Thanks, Starr! Praying your devo today will bless many in the coming days.
Thank you, Lana. I’m happy it blessed you. I needed to be reminded myself. It’s been a mentally taxing year for all of us.
Starr,
Always insightful and always timely! Thanks for the reminder to leave our baggage behind. Best place for them is at the foot of the cross!
Amen, Ben! Not picking them up again is a challenge. Thanks for commenting.