How long has it been since you’ve gone away to the quiet place? I’m not talking about daily quiet time I’m talking about a couple of days to reset your spirit and listen to God alone. I have had some wonderful times getting away. I love going off to a cabin somewhere, having lots of quiet…eating when I want to and going for walks…not having to tend to others…man, I love doing it. I wish I could do it more often.
I don’t know if you’ve ever done this, but you need to. Everyone does. We all need to carve out some time to get away with the One. Our first Love.
Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and His apostles didn’t even have time to eat. Mark 6:31
When we engage in an extended quiet time, we give God an opportunity to unwind our hearts. We allow space for Him to reveal deep things to us. When we allow an extended time for Him, then we discover rest in a different way.
Jesus frequently went off to the quiet place. He was showing us the importance of time away from the needs of others. It’s hard to keep a keen eye and ear on Him when your attention is constantly pulled toward others…isn’t it?
I’m not a self-love person…I’m a realistic person. I am realistic about the fact that I recharge by having some alone time. I serve others better when I can have small breaks. Even 10 minutes alone can recharge me…but sometimes life depletes me beyond what a brief break can refill, and I must have some real time alone in the quiet place.
Every time I head out for a time away from everyone and everything, I feel the Holy Spirit all over. From the drive to wherever I’m going, to the quiet that hangs like a pregnant pause over the cabin or home where I’ll be staying…God is already waiting, every time.
I love the Lord.
Time spent with Him is never wasted. Time with Him often feels expanded, as if each second ticks a little slower during this respite from daily life. Time spent with Him usually means that He wants me to enjoy some fun and relaxing things too…it’s not all business. Rest.
I encourage you to find this type of rest. The year is wrapping up and holiday plans can become overwhelming…but what if this year you faced it all from a position of rest? Imagine how this would revolutionize your life and subsequently the lives of those in your family. When we carry peace, it spreads to others.
Let’s be carriers this holiday season. Carriers of Peace.
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:14
365 Days in the Presence 