Come aside.

There was a time when I assumed (!) that "retirement" would mean long days sitting in the porch, in my late father's rocking chair, a tartan rug over my knees, a good book in my hands, and a bottle of IrnBru by my side. What total bliss!

What total nonsense! I can't recall any time in my life when I have been as busy! Indeed, I am currently giving very serious consideration to stepping back a bit from some of the commitments that I have taken on - especially since coming to France.

Some years ago, I read the story of a group of explorers in Africa (okay, that's a big area, but I can't recall which country!) who hired a group of villagers to help them on their journey through the jungle. The group set out, and pushed forward relentlessly for several days. Eventually, the tribesmen sat down, and said that they would go no farther. When asked for a reason, their leader explained, "We've been going too quickly. We must pause and wait for our souls to catch up with our bodies."! It's amazing how some of those whom we might consider to be "primitive", can be so far ahead of us in certain areas!

Many people in our 21st century world are constantly 'chasing their tails' (think of a young dog!); trying to 'get ahead'; climbing the corporate ladder; seeking social status. This is also true of many who profess to be disciples of Jesus! Many have overextended themselves in a flurry of church activities; involved themselves in other worthwhile pursuits; spending time attending every possible church gathering - and they have experienced the same kind of feeling as those African tribesmen. Being so pre-occupied with these activities, and even with helping others, they suddenly feel as if they have left the most important part of themselves behind - even their soul! They have lost intimate contact with their Creator.

The words of Jesus to His worn-out disciples, as recorded by Mark, were: "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place, and rest a while." (6:31). This shows that He knows our human frailties. He knows that our physical, and spiritual, batteries need to be recharged through a time of rest, and fellowship, with Him.

If our schedule leaves no time for rest, and for nurturing our spiritual life, then we are too busy! Father God does not ask us to be constantly "on the go" - rushing here and there; getting into a frazzle; expending more and more energy that is achieving less and less. Sometimes He simply wants us to "rest a while.", so that our souls may "catch up", and be refreshed for the challenges that lie ahead.

I have just one book by Vince Havner on my bookshelves, but it is full of great illustrations, and pithy sayings. He writes: "If Christians [and the same may be applied, I suggest, even to those who are not!] do not "Come apart and rest a while", they may just plain 'come apart'"!

Just be sure that you don't go to the other end of the pendulum's swing - and stop working!!!

Digging for treasure.

When my grandson was much younger, and we happened to be at the beach, he loved to collect odd-shaped stones; pieces of wood; and other bits and pieces. They were, he would inform me, "treasure". Well, at about three years of age, that was understandable. However, if we want real treasure, with a real financial value, we usually have to dig for it. As the old proverb puts it: "There's no gain without pain."!

The same is true if we want to gain from the written Word of God. Profitable Bible reading, and study, involves more than just randomly opening a chapter and reading what's there. Many years ago, I was given these seven guidelines to help us make the most of our reading, and study, of the Bible:

1. Set aside a regular time. If you fail to schedule it, you'll neglect it. If, for whatever reason, you are obliged to miss that time, then be sure to read at some other point in the same day!

2. Before you commence reading, prayerfully ask Father God to guide you in your reading, through God the Holy Spirit.

3. Think carefully about what it is you are reading. Not all of the Bible's treasures are lying, like those beach pebbles, on the surface. To get at gold, and diamonds, we have to dig!

4. Try to understand what the human author was saying to his contemporary readers, before deciding how to apply the words to your own situation. (This is where a good commentary may be particularly useful!).

5. Write down at least one truth, or principle, that you can out into practice. You may do this in a separate notebook, or in the margin of your Bible (especially if you have a "wide-margin" Bible).

6. Use different translations of the Bible. If you find that you are just 'skimming' over a well-known passage, read it in a different version. This may help to focus your mind on the passage in a new way.

7. Don't get discouraged! Some parts of the Bible are more immediately interesting than others - e.g. the history and narrative sections are more easily read than the genealogies, and the sacrificial laws. Some parts you may not immediately understand. However, there is enough that you will be able to understand - and it will revolutionise your life as you apply it.

Just one final thought of my own! During my time as a Chaplain to the former Strathclyde Police Force, I picked up a lot about police procedures! In any police investigation, the evidence is seldom going to be sitting there, screaming to be picked up! Officers expect to have to dig, and delve; to ask questions; to sift through evidence - and on more than one occasion! Those are good principles to add to the above!

In my own personal devotions, I am currently reading in the Book of Proverbs. May I suggest that you read Proverbs 2:1-9, keeping the above principles in mind? Then, to morrow, start at the beginning of Mark's account of the Gospel. You will begin to discover the treasures of the Bible!