He said to them,
“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”
MARK 6:31
Jesus saw the crowds and felt their pain. They wandered lost and had no aim. He had compassion for their plight and wanted to restore their sight. He spoke to them with words of grace and showed them God's eternal face. He taught them many things that day and led them to the narrow way. He is the shepherd of the sheep. He knows their names and hears their weep. He gives them rest and feeds their soul and makes them whole and keeps them whole.
The Lord give you rest when you are weary and worn, when you are burdened and torn. The Lord give you peace when you are troubled and afraid, when you are doubtful and dismayed. The Lord give you joy when you are sorrowful and grieving, when you are hopeless and despairing. The Lord give you love when you are lonely and rejected, when you are wounded and neglected.
30 The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. 32 So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. 33 People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. 34 When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. (Mark 6:30-34)
The Lord gives you a heart so wise and understanding. He fills you with His love and peace that is never ending. He guides you with His word and spirit in your life. He helps you overcome your troubles and your strife. He is the source of all your wisdom and your knowledge. He teaches you His ways and invites you to acknowledge. He is the one who knows you best and cares for you. He is the one who makes you new and makes you true.
Ask something of the Lord and He will give it to you. He is generous and faithful and His promises are true. He knows what you need and what you desire. He will fulfill your requests and lift you higher. He is the giver of every good and perfect gift. He will bless you abundantly and your spirits lift. He will not withhold any good thing from you. He will give you more than you ask or think or do.
4 Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, because that was the most renowned high place. Upon its altar Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings. 5 In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” 6 Solomon answered: “You have shown great favor to your servant, my father David, because he behaved faithfully toward you, with justice and an upright heart; and you have continued this great favor toward him, even today, seating a son of his on his throne. 7 O Lord, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act. 8 I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted. 9 Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?” 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon made this request. 11 So God said to him: “Because you asked for this—not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right—12 I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you. 13 In addition, I give you what you have not asked for, such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like.” (1 Kings 3:4-13)
The word of the Lord is your most valuable treasure. It is more than wealth or fame or pleasure. It is the source of wisdom and the guide of life. It is the shield of faith and the sword of strife. It is the seed of hope and the fruit of love. It is the gift of grace and the power of God. It is the light of truth and the fire of zeal. It is the bread of life and the water of heal.
Keeping God's word with your whole heart is the best way to live and to start. It is the law of love and the rule of grace, the path of peace and the joy of faith. It is the greatest treasure and the finest art, the wisdom of God and the power of Christ, the glory of heaven and the eternal life.
9 How shall a young man be faultless in his way? By keeping to your words. 10 With all my heart I seek you; let me not stray from your commands. 11 Within my heart I treasure your promise that I may not sin against you. 12 Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes. 13 With my lips I declare all the ordinances of your mouth. 14 In the way of your decrees I rejoice, as much as in all riches. (Psalm 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
Lord Jesus, You give me rest when I am weary and worn and when I am are burdened and torn. Please give me the peace of mind and heart each time I am troubled and afraid, doubtful and dismayed. Keep my joy during times when I am sorrowful and grieving, hopeless and despairing. Thank You so much for giving me a heart so wise and understanding. Indeed, You have filled me with Your love and peace that is never ending. Each day, You continue to guide me with Your word and spirit in my life, helping me to overcome my troubles and my strife. Be praised and glorified O Lord for You are the one true source of all wisdom and knowledge. Your word is my most valuable treasure. All glory and honor are Yours now and forever. Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Mystery of Jesus
THE RETURN OF THE TWELVE
Mark 6:30-34
I: The Reign of Solomon
WISDOM OF SOLOMON
1 Kings 3:1-15
Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150
A PRAYER TO GOD, THE LAWGIVER
Psalm 119:1-176
