Devotion:
Read Mark 6:45-51.
This scene reminds us of our need to be alone, as well as our need to be with others. As usual, Jesus set a good example for all of us. He had just had an exhausting experience with the crowd, feeding them both spiritual and physical food. He sends them and the disciples on their way and he gets away to be by himself to pray. He needs to be replenished. And after taking that time for himself, he is ready to go serve the needs of others again. His disciples need him and he is there for them.
I love the analogy of the oxygen mask on the airplane. Before take-off, the attendants give the safety speech. One part of that says if a need arises for the oxygen masks to be deployed, if you are caring for someone else, put your mask on first so that you can then assist them with their mask. That lesson is good for all of life. In order to best care for and attend to the needs of those around you, it is important to take time to care for yourself; to regularly take time to be renewed and replenished, so that you are then ready to serve.
Following Jesus’ example, it is important for you to be part of a small group of followers of Christ who will both support you and hold you accountable in your Christian journey. And there may be times when you are called to relate to larger crowds of people.
God has designed you to flourish by spending time with other people. God also built a need within you to be alone. Finding the balance of those two will allow you to live life at its best.
Personal Worship Option:
In which area are you out of balance right now - spending time alone or time with other people? What step(s) do you need to take this week to restore that balance?
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