Summer of Depth Devotional Day 9

Welcome to Day 9 of our Summer of Depth Devotional and Reading Plan.

As you enter into this time of reading, reflection, and prayer, lean into the peace and presence that can only come from God. The God that loves you, cares for you, died for you, and knows you better than anyone ever could. Invite the Holy Spirit to be with you for this moment. Ask Him to speak to you…for God to reveal himself and his desires for your life.

Now, let’s dive deep into His word.

Before anything else, slow down and read: Mark 1:21-39

What a busy and incredible day for Jesus and his ministry. By the end of this passage, everyone is looking for him. Jesus’ power and love are on full display and his influence is growing. The crowds are coming. The needs are endless. Not only is he healing person after person, he’s also casting out demons. This is an incredible moment where people are witnessing the fact that this Jesus guy MUST actually be who he says he is! If there were ever a moment to capitalize on momentum, this is it. So what’s next? Another town? More miracles? Another sermon, another parable?

None of that. Jesus gets up early, goes to a quiet, unassuming place, and prays. Then, when the disciples find him, he does not simply return to the crowd that wants him, and genuinely could still use him there. He decides to move on after pausing and listening to the Father. We can’t know for certain what Jesus’ emotions looked like in the moment, but we can assume that in his fully human yet fully God nature, this must have been challenging. On the one hand, you have a group of people who desperately need Jesus’ help, a perfect opportunity to keep proving who he is and changing people’s lives. On the other hand, you have a loving Father who knows the perfect time and plan for the work that Jesus is doing. In fact, there was a bigger plan in the works…to save everyone.

This is deeply challenging. Often, many of us assume that “need” equals assignment. If someone asks, we say yes. If something feels urgent, we assume that it must be ours to go after. If there is momentum, we chase it. But Jesus shows us a life that is compassionate without being controlled by the crowd. Jesus gives us a model for true intentionality. He’s not saying, “ignore all urgent things.” He’s saying, “Don’t let urgency become your master.”

Hurry makes every need feel like a command. Prayer helps us discern what God is actually asking. What is God actually asking you today?

Practical Exercise: Take two or three minutes and make two lists.

Urgent List
Write down the things that feel loud, pressing, or are demanding your attention right now.

Important List
Write down the people, relationships, and responsibilities you believe God has entrusted to you.

When you're finished, ask this prayer:

"Father, is there anything on my 'Urgent' list that feels important to me but isn't actually what You're asking me to carry right now?

And is there anything on my 'Important' list that I've neglected but you are asking me to be more intentional about right now?"

Amen.