The Overwhelming Importance of Rest and Relaxation from the Crazy Pace of Our World!

09 Sep 2026 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Today’s Scrip-Bit   9 September 2026   Mark 6:31a.

Mark 6:31a.        He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart (aside) into a desert (deserted) place and rest a while:

Ah friends, on this rainy, cloudy, humid Wednesday in early September, we’re on a real late bus with the ole fella desperately trying to catch his second wind! Why, you wonder? Because I took the Duchess to a mid-morning doctor’s appointment, then, on the way back, she surprised me by wanting to go to the grocery to pick up a few things, which obviously turned into many things. So by the time we got home and put away the few things (smile), it was minutes to two, and the ole fella just wanted to go and rest for a spell. But I overruled my flesh, and instead came down to write the Bit. Aren’t you proud of me…mastering my flesh? (smile)

And today we’ll look at the poem designated for September 9th in our One Year Book of Bible Promises, with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. It’s most appropriately titled; ‘Moments of Leisure.’ So please read with me: ‘Lord, thank You For the moments of leisure And peaceful solitude I can legitimately snatch Here and there Without apologizing. Thank You for assuring me That I needn’t condemn myself When I spend some time reading or resting Or shopping just for fun. Thank You for convincing me That there’s no glory In a rat race.

I’ve discovered, dear Lord That an hour or two “Away from it all” Calms my inner muddle And cuts through the confusion. Without a driving sense of urgency I think more clearly – I plan more wisely. I am more patient, more LOVING More understanding with my family. I even accept with calmness The multiple demands imposed upon me. Thank You so much, dear God for the certain knowledge that Jesus (who always obeyed the Father) Went apart from the crowd to rest. So must I!’

Oh my people, all of that poem is certainly the most glorious truth! And furthermore, many of us today, who are participating in the crazy rat race that our world has now become, would do well to take an occasional break from it and just rest and relax, and do something that calms your spirit rather than turns it topsy turvy.  Yes mih bredrin, Satan and his evil cronies are just driving the world at such a fast pace that people don’t have time to think, to make wise decisions. It’s all about rushing, about now for now stuff. And with the surprising increase of technology, especially the social media demon, things will only get worse.

And as always, we have the best example of that from Jesus, who was known to go away by Himself quite often to just rest, relax and pray. And the Bible verse for today’s poem comes from the gospel of Mark. It occurs after the disciples came back from their teaching and healing journey, that Jesus had earlier sent them out in pairs to perform. After they told Him all that they’d done, ‘He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart (aside) into a desert (deserted) place and rest a while: for they were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert (deserted) place privately (by themselves).’ (Mark 6:31-32)

That shows that Jesus was also cognizant of the fact that His followers needed rest and relaxation. Now that was a blessing in disguise, for when they arrived at their destination, they found the crowd had followed them and gathered together unto Him. ‘And when Jesus saw the multitude, He was moved and filled with compassion towards them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.’ (Mark 6:34)

And at the end of that day the feeding of five thousand men, plus women and children with five loaves of bread and two small fishes and picking up twelve baskets of leftovers took place. (Mark 6:35-44) And right after that Jesus sent the disciples away in a ship, to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away, then went up into a mountain to pray. (Mark 6:45-46) There again, Jesus recognizes both His and the disciples need for a break from the multitudes.

And talking about getting up early to be by oneself to pray, Jesus was the epitome of that habit. Mark tells it thus. ‘And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he (Jesus) went out and departed into a solitary (deserted) place, and there prayed.’ (Mark 1:35) Yes friends, solitary time in a quiet place is essential for us to keep our marbles, otherwise the world will drive us crazy from all the tumult and confusion that’s currently happening in it. So please, like Jesus, let’s take time to rest, to get away from the multitudes and all the noise and commotion they create, and thus reinvigorate and reenergize our souls, bodies and minds.

And with those words of wisdom buried deep in our hearts, (smile) let’s go home declaring our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Jesus Christ. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’ 

And if we endure to the end with Jesus, then it’s been promised that we’ll enjoy an even more glorious future than we can ask or imagine. So please let’s endure right to the very end nuh, so that we can enjoy that more than glorious future together! Much LOVE!

…the Lord didn’t make the human body to be like a machine…constantly on the go…but to take occasional reinvigorating breaks from the rat race that’s our current world…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 November 2015 Mark 6:31

15 Nov 2015 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mark 6:31.   And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart (aside) into a desert (deserted) place, and rest awhile: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

And then it was Sunday; that wonderful day of fellowship and rest. Glory to God! Yes friends, it’s time once again to make our way to the Lord’s sanctuary to give Him much deserved praise and thanks and glory, and in return receive spiritual rejuvenation and a strengthening of our faith. 

Our God definitely knew what He was doing when He set aside one day in every seven for rest and fellowship amongst His earthly creation. Since He created us, He obviously knew our limitations, physical, emotional and spiritual. Our batteries do need recharging every once in a while, and He figured seven days was a goodly and godly number. (smile) 

Unfortunately though, many of us refuse to heed God’s warning about rest and rejuvenation and simply continue to follow the foolish attitude of the world of constant work, until our bodies break down with physical, mental and emotional diseases. Now that’s definitely not wisdom my people. 

Oh yes, I know that many of us need the money that comes from work, but remember what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount? ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow (therefore do not worry about tomorrow): for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil (trouble) thereof. ’ (Matt.6:33- 34) 

That’s the beauty of making God’s business our first priority; He will provide all our necessities. There’s absolutely no sense worrying about tomorrow and in running down the things of the world and then don’t have the time to enjoy them, or fall down before we do. 

That brings us to a quote from an author by the name of Daniel W. Joselyn. I couldn’t find any other pertinent info on him, but he is reputed to have said, or written that ‘Rest is not a matter of doing absolutely nothing. Rest is repair.’  

And that’s the gospel truth my brethren. To rest doesn’t necessarily mean to do nothing. It just means to take a break from whatever’s been occupying our time. Take a few moments or whatever to recuperate from that activity. But sadly this modern society makes us feel guilty if we take time off to renew ourselves, because it’s all about go, go, go. 

Whenever we feel, anxious, angry, or like the burdens of the world are bearing down on us, it’s quite okay to take a time out. As the Daily Devotional for People with Chronic Illness, from which I got this quote says: ‘Pamper ourselves once in a while to rejuvenate the physical and emotional strength needed to face our world.’ Now that’s an absolutely brilliant idea! 

And all of that provides a very smooth segue into our Bit. But first, here is what leads up to it. ‘And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. 

And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart (aside) into a desert (deserted) place, and rest awhile: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert (deserted) place by ship privately (by themselves.’ (Mark 6:30-32) 

That was Jesus’ advice to His disciples and the action they took, after they had returned from the mission field. Obviously Jesus saw their need for a break from the strenuous activity of proselytizing, especially on foot. And if He could recommend rest and revitalization, why are we so proud and /or foolish not to also take it for ourselves every so often eh?  

It makes it ever so much easier to begin the week on a day of rest and righteousness than on one of work and worry. And that’s why I keep telling us that Sunday, which most Christians celebrate as the Sabbath, is the first day of our week, not the last, and we need to use it wisely in rest and godliness so that come Monday, we will be refreshed and renewed and able to handle the cares of the world with greater ease and much more passion. 

Remember too, Jesus’ Great Invitation: ‘Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek and lowly in heart (gentle and humble): and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.’ (Matt.11:28-30) 

Oh my people, my people, what an awesome invitation! Whenever we’re tired or weary, in any aspect of our lives, we have an open invitation to go to Jesus and get rest. Glory Hallelujah! 

But yuh know what?  Too many of us, for whatever reason, disdain to accept Jesus’ invitation to come to Him for rest and renewal. That’s why we’re always running around like a chicken with our heads cut off, too busy to make time for ourselves, always anxious and uptight about the cares of the world. But true wisdom tells us that we shouldn’t always be rushing around. 

How did Cousin Sol famously put it as the Preacher in Ecclesiastes? ‘To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.’ (Eccl.3:1) 

Yes Friends, there was, and still is, method to God’s madness. However, I can’t say the same for us, as our crazy, very disturbed, and chaotic world so perfectly exemplifies. 

So please, for all our sakes, let’s be wise and make this day, this Sunday, one of rest and worship nuh, thereby giving us a fresh mind, body and soul for tomorrow, Monday. Now that’s definitely the wisdom of the ages! Much LOVE!

…’I can simplify my life…by giving myself this day for relaxing…’

 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 September 2015 Mark 6:31‏

15 Sep 2015 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mark 6:31.   And he (Jesus) said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart (aside) into a desert (deserted) place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

Aye mih Scrip-Bit family! Welcome to a bright, beautiful and bountiful Tuesday in God’s great universe! All the elements are present for it to be another meaningful day in our lives. 

So let’s make it one nuh, with prayer, obedience, faithfulness and thankfulness to Almighty God, who LOVES us so much that He sent His only Son to die on the cross at Calvary so that He could purge our woeful sins and allow us to have fellowship with Him once again. That ought to count for something now my people. 

Unfortunately though, the noise persists outside of my house, for it seems as though they are finally digging up and paving the main road in my area. Oh what a miserable spring and summer it’s been with noise and all sorts of big machinery in the area supposedly fixing drains and culverts and lanes and what have you. 

To my way of thinking, some of it didn’t seem necessary, and some people are of the opinion that it’s only a make work programme… What you say? You thought it was only in the West Indies we had that stuff! Well apparently not! And every so often the house vibrates from the noise outside. Ah chuh! 

But like the tests the Lord puts us through, we just have to grin and bear it, knowing that it will all eventually work out for our good with well paved roads etc.etc. There it goes again, the shaking, the vibrating of my poor house. This time it only lasted for a few seconds though. Oh glory to God. I spoke too soon though, it’s back again. 

Anyway, listen to this interesting poem from the One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. This one’s titled ‘Moments of Leisure.’ 

And it says: ‘Lord, thank You For the moments of leisure And peaceful solitude I can legitimately snatch Here and there Without apologizing. Thank You for assuring me That I needn’t condemn myself When I spend some time Reading or resting Or shopping just for fun. Thank You for convincing me That there’s no glory In a rat race.

I’ve discovered, dear Lord That an hour or two “Away from it all” Calms my inner muddle And cuts through the confusion. Without a driving sense of urgency I think more clearly – I plan more wisely. I am more patient, more LOVING More understanding with my family. 

I even accept with calmness The multiple demands imposed upon me. Thank You so much, dear God For the certain knowledge that Jesus (Who always obeyed the Father) Went apart from the crowd to rest. So must I!’ 

Oh Friends, is all of that ever so true! We do need to take some time apart from the crazy rat race that our society, our world has become in the last generation or so. If we don’t, the busyness and the numerous demands on our time and energy will certainly drive us crazy and bring us to our grave much earlier than we want to. 

Notice how the stress factor has soared off the charts in the last couple decades. Before that stress was not a well-known, or rather an unknown entity, because people had lots of free time and other endeavours to relieve and release it. But with the coming of this communication and technological age it’s just become our worst enemy. 

One very important proviso in this story though, is that we don’t use rest and leisure as an excuse for laziness and its other cronies. Rest if you must, but don’t abuse it. 

And the Bible promise for that poem is also our Bit for today. ‘And he (Jesus) said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart (aside) into a desert (deserted) place, and rest a while; for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure (time for themselves) so much as to eat.’ 

Oh my brethren, we all know about those oppressive times, because we all have experienced them at some time or another! But sadly some of us are still experiencing them too often, and that is definitely not good for our health and well-being. 

And you see Jesus‘ wisdom in calling His disciples apart to rest. They had just come back from a missionary journey and people were milling all around them, so that they had no time to rest, not even to eat. Yes Friends, sometimes we have to do that too today in our overly busy and zealous society, otherwise we’d just crumble under the pressure. 

And the Good Book continues: ‘And they departed into a desert (deserted) place by ship privately (by themselves). And the people (multitudes) saw them departing, and many knew him (Jesus), and ran afoot thither out of all the cities, and outwent  (arrived before) them, and came together unto him (Jesus). 

And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people (a great multitude) and was moved with compassion towards them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.’(Mark 6:32-34) 

Oh Friends, yuh see that? Even though Jesus tried to get away from the multitude for some rest, they followed Him from all over, and even came to His disembarking point before Him! And Jesus, with a heart ever so filled with compassion had no other choice but to minister unto them, because they looked so lost and frail and feeble, like sheep without a shepherd. 

However my fellow believers, let’s remember that that was Jesus, God in the flesh, and He had more parts than us, who are merely flesh, and when the busyness and distractions of this life bombard us, as they will do, we don’t always have to embrace them. 

Sometimes it is necessary to show compassion, but then it’s also necessary for us to rest and recuperate, otherwise we won’t be able to deal successfully with the circumstances that surround us. Now that’s the wisdom of longevity! Much LOVE!

…there’s a time for every purpose under heaven…so rest if you must…but be careful it doesn’t turn into laziness…indolence…or sloth…