He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves
and rest a while.” 

Mark 6:31a

Take care!

If you were to search for that phrase in the Bible (NIV), you would find that it is used 49 times!

But not once does it refer to actually taking care of yourself.

The phrase is used as a warning:

• “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15)
  
  
• Take care, or you will be seduced into turning away, serving other gods and worshiping them” (Deuteronomy 11:16)
  
  
• “Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones (Matthew 25:44)
  

Don’t get me wrong. They are all important warnings. We need to be vigilant about our faithfulness. John Wesley reminds us to “first do no harm”, and these verses encourage us to do (or not do) just that.

But Lord, I’m tired.

Lately I’ve poured out so much energy just trying to stay on the path. Trying to heed your warnings. Trying to live my beliefs. I’ve really invested myself in your Kingdom. But I’ll be honest. If anything, it feels farther away.

So, this week, when I think of the phrase “take care”, I’m going to take it to heart. I’m going to take care of myself.

None of the following verses say those two words, but they speak to my deep need.

• He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.”  (Mark 6:31a)
  
  
• “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29)
  
  
• The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.   He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;  he restores my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3)
  
  
• Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
  
  
• “Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10
  

No funny conclusions today.

Have a great week,

or in the least…

Take care!

Mitch