“Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while”, so said Jesus to His disciples in Mark 6:31. Throughout Scripture the theme of solitude, rest and also spending time in God’s presence without distraction follows an uninterrupted path, all the way from Adam’s walk with God in the cool of the evening, through time in the wilderness for Abraham, Moses, the Israelites, David and Paul, to name but a few.
God’s father heart desires to speak a message of love to us, and it is in the quiet and even desolate places where we can listen without distraction. There we can savour the melody of the masterpiece He is composing, away from the din of our busy lives.
In Hosea we read about Israel’s sinfulness, and yet God’s response is “Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her”. It is clear that God continues to pursue us despite our own failings, and that He will not stop, even arranging circumstances to draw us away from “the business” and into His chambers; to a place where we are attentive to His great love and compassion, even if some discipline was required to get us there.
Jesus had a habit of drawing away, as is evident throughout His ministry. He understood the beauty and depth of one-on-one time with Abba. As the crowds flocked to Him we read “But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray” (Luke 5:16). Before he chose the twelve disciples He “…went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God”. In the few hours between feeding the five thousand some lunch and walking on the waves we find this telling account that gives us a glimpse of His desire for intimacy with the Father : “And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone…” At this stage the rest of the crew were already battling the storm. How I wish I knew what was said between Father and Son in those moments before the ultimate surfing adventure!
The same Father is calling you to Him. Even amidst tomorrow’s public holiday, and the weekend that is to follow, He wants to speak to you, share Himself with you, drawing you deeper into Him. Take an hour out, find a place of solitude, come as you are.
Praise to His Name
WS
That is so true guys!
“Time Alone”: Thus is the very thing that has CHANGED my life, and my ability to walk in God’s supernatural power and strength and wisdom – Quality Time Alone, with my loving Father!
It’s really unbeatable :- Enjoying the presence of God; Hearing from Him, and being used by Him.
There’s so much more to God than I ever knew…… if only we will humble ourselves and obey Him, and make much of Him; because He is so worth our time and love and energy.
God bless you.
WS thank you for every email that has been send out as they have been so relevant and encouraging to read. Keep on hearing from God and spreading His word. BD
Thanks Brigitte !