LEAVING THE CROWD

I’ve come to realize that we will walk through seasons of life that knock the wind out of us. But we are faithful and we keep going. We keep seeking God, we stay in His word and we pray until we can breathe again. But I think there’s something we often miss. I know I did over the course of this year.

Mark 1:35 “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.”

Isolated. We understand this to mean away from others, alone, remote. On typical days this is finding that quiet place in our home with a comfy blanket and cup of coffee to read the Bible or we retreat to our designated prayer closet. But what happens when the day isn’t typical and storms are raging?

We know that Jesus often left the crowds to find a quiet place to pray.

Luke 5:16 “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.”

Luke 6:12 “One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night.”

When Jesus had big decisions to make and even as he experienced grief in the preparation of His own death; He removed himself from the day to day demands, He found a mountain, and He just got alone with God.

Through my own experience walking through months of heartache and grief I know there’s nothing more important than staying connected to God through the Word and through prayer. But if I could go back and do anything different it would be to find the time to be truly isolated, find my own mountain, remove myself from the daily demands and just be with God; even if it’s just for one day.

Our jobs and family demands don’t stop just because we are dealing with grief, traumatic events or life’s big decisions. Meetings still happen, groceries still need to be purchased and dinner still needs to be prepared. Yet, I believe there will be times in life where we just have to step back, tap out, and really seek the Lord.  Retreat! God is our great sustainer, our rock and our comfort.

We know our strength comes from God and through the time we spend with Him. When you find yourself in a valley, I urge you to consider Jesus as an example.  Put all demands and responsibility aside for whatever time you can and just be still in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Happy Friday!!

Love from Rooted,

Heather & Lisa