The “self-help” aisle of bookstores and libraries (physical and virtual) are filled with books trying to convince weary people of the importance of a healthy work-life balance and to teach them how to accomplish that. Before all those books were written, Jesus modeled this balance for His disciples.

Jesus sent out His disciples on their first missionary journey. They went out into the surrounding villages to teach, heal, and comfort the people the way Jesus had been showing them. I’m sure this was an exciting adventure with many highs and lows. They returned, excited to tell Jesus about all that had happened to them, but they were clearly exhausted.

“He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.’ For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they went away in the boat by themselves to a remote place,”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭6‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭CSB‬‬

The crowds of people were still hungry, confused, and needing healing, but Jesus knew the value of putting aside their demands for a while. He knew the disciples needed a quiet break.

He knows I need this too. I’m no better than the disciples. Despite what society says, I don’t have to run myself ragged to be successful or productive. I wasn’t created to function 24/7. I should build meaningful and restorative breaks into my schedule, surrounded by trusted friends.

But it’s important not to over-correct. God’s mission must come first, and it can be demanding work. Sloth is not acceptable.

Obedience followed by rest is the recipe. That’s Jesus’s wise advice and better than any self-help book ever written.

Dear God,

Thank you for taking care of all my needs, even my need to rest. Forgive me for working too hard and losing efficiency and effectiveness. Also forgive me for resting too much and being too lazy to do your will. Teach me the right balance today.