February 28, 2018

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’… After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.” – Mark 6:31 & 46

Time alone was something that Jesus commanded his disciples to practice, and it was something Jesus Himself made a priority in His earthly ministry. If you read through Mark chapter 6, you will quickly realize that this was not an easy task for Jesus and His disciples, especially once He gained a reputation as a miracle worker. But as difficult as solitude was, He still made sure that it was a priority in His life and in the lives of His disciples.

Today, we are often fooled into thinking we have experienced solitude when in reality we are far from it. Because of our technology, it is very difficult to truly be alone. There is always an outside voice or outside influence through our phone, computers, television, radio, and the advertising all around us. The truth is most of us go days and even months without ever experiencing true solitude. Is it any wonder, then, that our spiritual lives are often anemic and we are very disconnected from our Heavenly Father? I encourage you to take some time in the next couple of days to lay down your phone, walk away from your computer, and turn off the T.V. Put in the effort it takes to truly experience solitude. And once you get alone with God, talk to Him. Tell Him your frustrations, ask Him your questions, bring Him your requests, and thank Him for your blessings. If you take time to allow God to be the only influence, you’ll be amazed at the fresh intimacy you experience with Him and the strength you gain for the hectic times.

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for neglecting our time with You. Give us the wisdom to see through all our modern distractions and lay them down. And fill us with a desire to be with You and only You.

In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon <><