Devotionals

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“Go to the festival yourselves, I am not going to this festival for my time has not yet fully come. After saying this, he remained in Galilee.” John 7:8-9 (NRSV)

Jesus chose to remain in Galilee while his brothers went to the Festival of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. Jesus avoided attention, and sought to stay out of the limelight in order to remain unnoticed. For a little while, his public ministry became a private affair.

There is a time for stepping aside and laying low. Jesus had His reasons, and so will we. We may be feeling the pressures of ministry, the backlash of being misunderstood, the exhaustion of a completed assignment, a period of ill health, or simply a restlessness that demands we seek time in silence and solitude.
Whatever it is, there will come a time to distance ourselves from the crowds and commotion that competes for our attention.

There is a joy to be found in missing out. There is a beautiful discovery to be made in not doing or having what everyone else is clamoring for. We don’t have to have it, do it or see it. Rather than feed our hungry appetite that fears missing out, we can choose to follow our peaceful self. Missing out and remaining without out is a blessed place to be.

Jesus’ ministry was full and effective because he stepped aside from it often. In secret He sought the favor of the Father, rather than the approval of others. Are we needing to do the same just now? Listen to our deepest desires. Our inner restlessness and emptiness is never relieved until we find rest in God’s peaceful presence.

"Father, I want to rediscover the joy and peace that is found in only You. Give me courage to step aside from all that clamors for my attention and let me be refreshed in you. Amen."

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