It is sometimes easy to forget how important private time with the Lord really is. We get busy with our daily commitments, be they work, family, or even church activities, and we feel like we can barely hold on.
There is nothing inherently wrong with these things. On the contrary, they are important responsibilities.
The problem is that so many of these are things for others. Again, there is nothing wrong with doing for others, but there comes a point where we have to realize that we need refreshing ourselves.
That's where the solitary place comes in.
Whether literal or not, a quiet time with God is not only recommended, it is essential to being able to continue His work.
Essential? Yes.
In Mark 1:29-34, we see where Jesus and his disciples went to the home of Simon and Andrew, and found that Simon's mother-in-law was ill. Jesus healed her.
Word must have spread quick, because by that evening, the entire town had gathered at the door, bringing the sick and demon-possessed to Jesus for healing.
The entire town.
Can you imagine? And, this was after Jesus had already spent the day teaching in the synagogue. It likely made for a very long night.
After a day like that, what did Jesus do?
Mark 1:35 -
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Jesus needed private time with his Father, a chance for spiritual recharging.
And, if Jesus needed it, how much more is that opportunity needed by us?
I don't know how long Jesus had in those private moments, but it wasn't long before his disciples hunted him down, to tell him that everyone was looking for him. Jesus got up and returned to his ministry.
We also need to have private time with the Lord when the opportunity comes. Or, sometimes, we have to get up very, very early and make the time.
The effort to get that renewal, though, is well worth it when compared to the chance of burning out.
Type at you later.
(A request - Amanda Waller.)
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