What Jesus Did! 'Pressures of Caring' — Mark 1:35-37

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Later Simon and the others went out to find him. When they found him, they said, "Everyone is looking for you."
— Mark 1:35-37 NLT

Key Thought

We need quiet time with God, especially so when ministry involves working with people. In the previous verses in Mark 1, Jesus has been highly involved in people-intensive ministry as he taught, preached, healed, and cast out demons. This work was exhausting. Yet there is always more work with people than any one of us can complete. There will always be another need, broken heart, hurting soul, and desperate problem. For us to continue to minister, we desperately need to get alone and be with God to renew our relationship, to restore our souls, and to rekindle our passion in the presence of God.

Today's Prayer

Father, I don't have the pressure or crush of people that your Son faced in his ministry. However, I know I need to follow his example and get away to center myself in your will and be rekindled by time in your presence. Help me become more disciplined as I commit my life to serve others as my Lord did. In Jesus' name and for his cause, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

29 Related Resources by Heartlight

Take off the Fireman's Hat!
Article by Paul Faulkner
What's the big rush, anyway? Paul Faulkner reminds us that being in such a rush in life is not the way God intended us to live and not the way Jesus lived, so we ought to slow down, spend time with the Father, and be refreshed.
The Task at Hand
Article by Rubel Shelly
How can we begin to help in a world so full of hurt? We can't help everybody, or even most bodies, but we can help the person nearest us.
Quiet Time with the Father
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray."
Lord, teach us to pray!
Illustration of Mark 1:35
Inspirational illustration of Mark 1:35 -- Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
See All 29 Related Resources about Mark 1:35-37

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 1:35-37 NLT — "Everyone is looking for you."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'The Holy Spirit Gave the Ability!' (Acts 2:3-6)
"Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of [the believers]. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Bob Benson:
"When life caves in, you do not need reasons — you need comfort. You do not need some answers — you need someone. And Jesus does not come to us with...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Living in Sin Means I’m Obeying Satan'
"You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil — the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Galatians 6:7-8
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!