“And after he had taken leave of them, [Jesus] went up on the mountain to pray” (Mark 6:46).

Towards the end of last year, I went away on a silent retreat. It was a peaceful time to read, pray and sing the psalms.

I’m an introvert, so the silence wasn’t difficult. Other than the worship and a conversation with a monk, it was easy to be quiet.

The more difficult part was actually not doing things. I tend to have a lot of things on my schedule. I’m married and have three children. Our household has a lot happening. I pastor an active, healthy congregation. I’m involved in the kids’ extracurricular activities. I podcast, blog and write—a lot.

So “doing nothing” was not something that came naturally.

However, it was very restorative.

When we pause, lo and behold, life still goes on. The sun rises and falls. God is still in control. 

And there are times when we need the reminder.

This devotional is being read or listened to by many different people. You’re all in different stages of life. I’m not sure how busy, tired or stressed you are. But no matter who you are, we all need to remember this: There are times when the point isn’t to get things done, but to not get things done.

Perhaps it is a retreat like that one I experienced. Or perhaps it is simply five minutes of intentional quiet at the start or end of the day.

There are times when the point isn’t to get things done, but to not get things done.

Inhale. Exhale. Look up. Look within. The one who is running things has it in hand. And that person, isn’t you.

Notes:

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.