Over many years of pastoral ministry, I saw some dedicated people who were always present for Sunday worship and church programs. They were totally immersed in the life, work, and ministries of the congregation, and it seemed as though every time we opened the church doors, they were among the first to arrive. The faith community was their family and they simply devoted themselves to serving God in their local church.

Sometimes, however, these lovely servants were too busy and stretched themselves beyond what they could do effectively for God. They did too much, said "yes" too many times, and often wouldn't let others help them. They thought that if they temporarily gave up their work for the Lord or handed it over to someone else, the ministry or mission would suffer. Frequently, the ministry was suffering because they didn't like to share or delegate the responsibility to some other person. However, when COVID-19 came and forced us all to stay away from church, those people reflected on their chosen roles, soon realizing that God was working through the whole church membership, and not just them. After COVID-19, they fully reassessed their own service, and, for the first time in years, they allowed others to work with them.

I like what Jesus tells His disciples:

Mark 6:31 – 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." (NIV)

This reveals to us that Jesus did not expect His closest followers to be on duty all the time. By asking them to be alone with Him, Jesus was encouraging them to do nothing for a while. The mission would always be there, and the kingdom of God would continue, but they were only human with weaknesses and limitations. Like the writer of Psalm 23, Jesus was inviting them to find a quiet place in order to restore their souls.

Perhaps you need permission to let go of some of the ministries and missions in your own congregation. Maybe you've overextended yourself and instead of feeling the joy of serving God, it is a heavy burden to you. Let Christ encourage you to find a quiet place, to release you from your responsibilities, to enable you to reflect on how best to serve God, to replenish your weary spirit, and to refresh your tired soul. Go ahead and be busy — doing nothing.

Point to ponder: How do I serve God in my local church? Am I too busy?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know us more fully than we know ourselves. We love You completely and want to serve You faithfully, but sometimes we are tired and need to rest. Help us to find a peaceful, quiet place where we can be refreshed by Your Spirit and restored to Your kingdom. In Your holy name, we humbly pray. Amen.