"Come away." We do need to withdraw — not once in a while, but often, even daily! Incredibly, Jesus invites his disciples (Today, that's us!) to withdraw with him to a quiet place and rest with him. The little childhood prayer is appropriate: "Now I lay me down to sleep and pray the LORD my soul to keep." Only this isn't just about a good night's sleep; it's about taking time in the middle of our wild and crazy days to join him for a few moments of grace, rest, and refreshment. Let's make these daily stops in God's Word more than quick e-mail viewing; let's let it be a time to withdraw with the Savior and rest. Jesus still beckons us: "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

Holy and gentle Shepherd, the one who stills my soul, thank you for your constant care and loving faithfulness. Please touch my heart as I try to be more disciplined in my rest times with you. Please keep my soul, but even more, please restore my soul as I withdraw to spend time with your Son and my Savior Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.