Just read the following verses:
Luke 4:42 (HCSB) "When it was day, He went out and made His way to a deserted place. But the crowds were searching for Him. They came to Him and tried to keep Him from leaving them."
Luke 5:15-16 (HCSB) "But the news about Him spread even more, and large crowds would come together to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. Yet He often withdrew to deserted places and prayed."
Luke 6:12 (HCSB) "During those days He went out to the mountain to pray and spent all night in prayer to God."
The stresses of our families, our jobs, and life in general can sometimes become overwhelming. It can disorient us. It can wear us down so that we become much less productive and effective.
So, we must set aside times to get away to a quiet place. It's the spiritual discipline called "solitude." We can use that time to pray, reflect, journal, ... or just breath. Whether it's a nature walk or simply sitting in a rocking chair with the television and radio off, the purpose is simply to quiet your mind and spirit down so that you can refocus and get reenergized.
If Jesus, as God in the flesh, felt the need to get away from the pressures of life to be by himself and pray, we certainly must need such times as well.
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Today, I went to Hematite Lake in Land Between the Lakes. I hiked a 4.5 mile trail. I used this time to pray for my family, church members, and any number of other things that came up. I also used the time simply to admire God's creation and praise Him for it.
Here are some of the pictures that I took:
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| Only a few yard from the end of my hike, I came across this snake. Moments after taking this picture, it turned toward me and appeared ready to chase me. This picture reminded me that while I was able to enjoy my Father's creation, this earth is messed up. It bears the marks of sin's curse. Every believer longs for the day when God will make all things new and we will enjoy the new heavens and the new earth (Revelation 21:1). |
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