Jesus Took Time for Himself: What We Can Learn from His Retreats

As entrepreneurial wives, our schedules can be packed with business demands, family obligations, and a host of other responsibilities. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and neglect one of the most essential aspects of our well-being—taking time for ourselves. Throughout His ministry, Jesus, the ultimate example of leadership and service, regularly withdrew from the crowds to be alone in solitude and prayer. Luke 5:16 tells us, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

If Jesus, with His divine mission and all the pressing needs around Him, took time for Himself, how much more do we, as busy wives and business owners, need to follow this example? Let’s explore what we can learn from Jesus’ retreats and how we can apply these lessons to our own self-care routines.

?1. Prioritizing Solitude and Prayer

Jesus consistently made time to be alone with God, away from the noise and demands of His ministry. Even when crowds gathered and needed healing, Jesus recognized the importance of stepping away to pray. As entrepreneurial wives, we often feel the pressure to be constantly “on,” but just as Jesus prioritized solitude, we must make time to reconnect with God and ourselves.

Whether it’s carving out a few minutes in the morning or setting aside time during the week, solitude allows us to recharge emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. During these moments of quiet, we can refocus, realign with God’s purposes, and regain the energy needed to carry out our roles effectively.

?2. Finding Rest Amidst the Demands

The busyness of life can feel overwhelming, but even in the midst of His demanding ministry, Jesus found time to rest. Mark 6:31 shares how Jesus encouraged His disciples to retreat, saying, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” This is a powerful reminder that rest is not a luxury but a necessity.

Incorporating regular periods of rest into your self-care routine is vital for sustaining long-term success in both business and personal life. Whether it’s taking a day off, enjoying a hobby, or simply resting in God’s presence, giving yourself permission to pause ensures you stay refreshed and prevent burnout.

?3. Seeking God’s Guidance Through Prayer

For Jesus, these moments of retreat weren’t just about resting—they were about reconnecting with the Father. In Luke 6:12, we see that Jesus spent an entire night in prayer before choosing His disciples. These retreats were times when He sought God’s guidance before making significant decisions.

In our busy lives, it’s easy to rely on our own understanding, but Jesus modeled the importance of seeking God’s wisdom. Taking time away to pray, reflect, and listen to God provides clarity and direction for our businesses and personal lives. It’s during these quiet moments that we often hear God’s voice most clearly.

?4. The Impact of Regular Retreats on Emotional Wellness

Jesus’ practice of withdrawing to pray and rest not only strengthened His connection with God but also helped Him manage the emotional and physical demands of His mission. He recognized when He needed to step away, recharge, and reset before returning to the work that lay ahead.

For us, regular retreats—whether through personal devotion, prayer walks, or quiet reflection—play a crucial role in maintaining emotional wellness. These intentional pauses provide us with the mental and spiritual space to release stress, gain perspective, and find peace in God’s presence.

Jesus' example of retreating for solitude, prayer, and rest is a powerful reminder that even in the busiest of seasons, we need to prioritize self-care. By following His example, we can learn to step away from the demands of entrepreneurship and life, create space for renewal, and return to our work refreshed and with a clear sense of purpose. Remember, taking time for yourself is not just a form of self-care—it’s a biblical practice that strengthens your relationship with God and equips you to serve others with renewed energy and wisdom.