Have you ever needed time away from everyone? Have you needed quiet time to think? Is it sometimes a challenge to get the alone time you need? Where do you go when you need to get away from the hustle and bustle? Is there a designated place or are there multiple places?
We all need to have time alone to think at times in our lives. We may be facing a difficult decision. We may have received bad news. We may simply have had an extremely busy week filled with meetings and to-dos. Regardless, we need some down time.
There are times when we must put off getting the quiet time we need. It can be very frustrating. We may think no one understands. We may wallow in self-pity. We may even blow up and yell at a loved one. But there is someone who does understand, who went through it Himself.
Jesus had been busy. He had heard troubling news. He had planned to get away and spend some time in prayer with the Father. His plan was interrupted by a very large crowd. He healed their sick. He fed thousands of them. Though He needed to spend quiet time in prayer, He continued to serve others. Finally, He sent the disciples away in a boat and got His quiet time.
Jesus went up on a mountain to spend time in prayer, conversing with the Father. We may not have a mountain to go up, but we can find a place to spend time in prayer. It may be a room in our house. It may be a park. It may be getting up early, before anyone else to have a little quiet time. Spending quiet time in prayer is important for us, whether we acknowledge it or not. Just as Jesus spent time in prayer, we need time to do so as well. Sometimes, we need more than just five minutes. Sometimes, we need several hours, just as Jesus did.
I pray we all set aside time to spend with God. I pray we take time to go to a place of seclusion. I pray each one of us has time to get away from the busyness of life to meditate and pray. Set aside time for prayer. Step out of the busyness. Be quiet. Get to know God. Renew your mind.
Matthew 14:23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
Marty Pressey 