“But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.”
Luke 5:16
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, he became more and more famous. People heard about him far and wide. He was healing people, forgiving sins, casting out demons, and preaching with an authority that they had never heard. Plus, if you followed him around long enough, he may even miraculously feed you!
Everywhere he went, people followed.
He healed. He taught. He answered questions. He loved people. He mourned with them and rejoiced with them and felt compassion toward them.
But we see throughout the gospels this phrase that comes up repeatedly. Jesus would withdraw to desolate places and pray.
I cannot overstate the importance of personal time spent with God. Even Jesus needed it. If Jesus, the one and only Son of God, who was, himself, one with the Father, needed to take time away to be alone with God, then how much more do we?
Life is busy. Work can be draining. The people that depend on you (especially young children) can sometimes seem to take up all of your time and energy. We need time alone with God to sustain us.
Jesus wasn’t taking time alone because he was annoyed with the people following him. He wasn’t taking time alone because he wanted to catch a quick nap. He was taking time alone because he knew the importance of being in communion with the Father.
Through Christ, we have been given the opportunity to share that same communion with God that Jesus did. Through his sacrifice he has made us sons and daughters of God. There is no more barrier between us, our sin no longer holds us back. Jesus has washed us clean and bridged the gap.
We must spend time alone with God. We must spend time reading and reflecting on Scripture. We must spent time in prayer, both talking and listening.
Any relationship needs time invested in it to be strong and healthy. Our relationship with God is no different. Follow the example of Christ, and make time to be with him, alone.
Prayer
Father,
Thank you for the ability that we have to talk to you and be in your presence. I ask that you’d help us to realize the importance of our time with you and never to prioritize others over it. Help us, like Jesus, to take time away from all of the business and just be with you.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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