I don't know about you but when lockdown started I was incredibly excited about all the time we would have on our hands. Tk and I were very busy for the first month or so, doing the daily devotions, but then things kind of slowed down which I'm so grateful for.
The problem with time is that it is very easy to fill. We get lost scrolling through the never ending stream of updates on Facebook, we binge watch series on Netflix, or we wash dishes all day long. Either way, the time we were so hopeful and excited about having gets packed with other things that are usually a waste of time.
Jesus was a busy guy himself. He was moving from city to city, healing and speaking life over people. His disciples followed him everywhere (maybe like your kids, grandkids or even your puupies). Luke 5:15-16 CSB says "15 But the news[a] about him spread even more, and large crowds would come together to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 Yet he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed."
He was a man in demand, but look at verse 16- he OFTEN withdrew to deserted (desolate or quiet) places to be with his Father.
The need of the people around him was so great, everyone needed something from him. But his need for quiet time with his Father was greater.
Mark 1:35 NIRV: "35 It was very early in the morning and still dark. Jesus got up and left the house. He went to a place where he could be alone. There he prayed."
In Luke 4:42 NIRV, Jesus had been healing people through the what seems like the night: "42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him..."
Luke 22:39-41:"39 He went out and made his way as usual to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 When he reached the place, he told them, “Pray that you may not fall into temptation.”41 Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and began to pray."
Jesus received his power through spending time with the father. He constantly needed to go back (Luke 22:39 says he "made his was as USUAL") and retreat from the busyness around him. In Luke 22 Jesus also knew his time was coming to an end, he was grieving.
Our purpose won't be clear without time with the Father. Our gifts will be wasted without time with the Father.
God has really been speaking to me about prayer through lockdown and I so badly want to to see the church body pray fiercely and with gumption.
But we have to be willing to make time for Jesus, to remove ourselves from our own busyness, and go to the quiet place. To have a footpath from all the times we went to our own Mount of Olives.
Friends, may this be an encouragement to do as Jesus did. It is hard sometimes, but we start with small practices and find ourselves there more and more and hungrier than before.
Philippians 4:6
"6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
-Caryn
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