Come Apart and Rest, or Just Come Apart
“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.’”
— Mark 6:31 (NIV)Ministry and life rarely slow down. The demands never seem to ease, and the pressure to keep going—to lead, to serve, to be available—can be relentless. If we’re not careful, the very work we do for Jesus can end up pulling us away from Jesus.
Jesus knew this. He saw the physical and emotional exhaustion in His disciples after their ministry efforts. Crowds pressed in, needs abounded, and yet—Jesus didn’t push for more productivity. He gave a gentle but vital command:
“Come with Me… and get some rest.”
That’s not just a suggestion for the weary—it’s a lifeline.
Come apart and rest, or you’ll come apart.
In this short verse, we find three essentials for soul care:
- Come with Me – Rest isn’t just a nap; it’s an invitation into the presence of Christ. True rest is found not merely in solitude, but in communion with the Savior.
- By yourselves – We need intentional disconnection from the noise, the crowd, and even the good work of ministry to reconnect with what matters most.
- To a quiet place – Rest requires sacred space. Not every moment can be filled, nor every text answered, nor every meeting attended. Quiet is where clarity, healing, and renewal begin.
Jesus warned us in Matthew 11:28–30 that the soul grows weary under heavy burdens. If we refuse to rest, we risk more than burnout—we risk breaking. When we ignore God’s rhythm of work and rest, we can grow cynical, spiritually dry, emotionally numb, and physically drained.
Sabbath isn’t a luxury for the weak; it’s a command for the wise.
Practical Ways to Rest (and Actually Be Rested):
- Daily: Begin each day with 15-30 minutes of unhurried Scripture reading and prayer. Don’t treat it as a box to check, but as a table to sit at with Jesus.
- Weekly: Establish a Sabbath rhythm. Unplug, attend worship, take a walk, play and laugh with family, or simply be still. Develop a hobby that you can enjoy weekly (for me it’s working in the yard — I LOVE IT). Remember, one day of margin refuels six days of mission.
- Seasonally: Plan short retreats (and vacations). Get away, and at time get alone (with your spouse). Jesus regularly withdrew to mountainsides and lonely places to pray. Follow His lead.
- Emotionally: Talk to someone—a friend, a mentor, a counselor, or a spiritual leader. Find someone you trust who can help you process the pain, pressure, and exhaustion you may be experiencing.
- Physically: Prioritize rest. Good sleep, and do something physical (again, I love outside and yard work), but this may be more of a regular routine of exercise for you. In addition, stive to practice healthy eating. Understand, meals aren’t carnal—they’re actually an opportunity for spiritual stewardship.
- Relationally: Spend time with life-giving people. Not everyone drains you—lean into the ones who refill you.
Closing Encouragement:
The invitation still stands:
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28)
Don’t wait until you come apart to answer the call to come apart with Him. His rest is not just relief from exhaustion; it’s restoration for your soul. Ministry was never meant to be sustained by adrenaline or obligation. It must flow from a heart at rest in Jesus.
Take Him up on His offer.
Come apart and rest—so you don’t come apart.