“Yet He often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.”—Luke 5:16
This was very early in Jesus’ ministry, and He was finding a place to pray. He continued to do this even until the end of His life (Luke 22:39-46).
Setting time apart to spend with the Lord in the mornings is awesome (and essential), but it is also awesome to find a place of retreat where you can meditate on Him, the scripture, and prayer. Note: when I say “meditate,” I am not speaking of clearing your mind of all thoughts. Rather, I am speaking of setting your mind on things above, and not earthly things.
This place is preferably deserted. Especially for me, people and electronics are big distractions. I have found such a place at BGU. There are more than a few trails near Bethany, but there is one that I go to as much as I can. It is a little over 1 mile away from campus, which is a good distance for walking. I have taken a few pictures on my substandard cell phone camera.
I am extremely grateful for the friends who showed me this place and I am definitely going to make use of it when praying and reading the Bible. Making use of it lately, I have been thinking about a few things.
First, I seem to not be willing to move until I am absolutely certain that God is telling me to. However, is it really faith if I move in certainty? Am I ignoring the Holy Spirit because I have a little doubt that it is Him?
Second, Jeremiah says “I know LORD that a man’s way of life is not his own. No one who walks determines his own steps,” (Jeremiah 10:23). The Lord is going to have His way, and that should excite me! His glory should be my delight, no matter what it means. He deserves it, and I love Him.
Lastly, if I seek the Lord, I am not lacking any good thing. If I am seriously in want and, after seeking the Lord, not receiving, it is good that I haven’t been given what I want. Psalm 34 says “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Fear the Lord, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing. Young lions lack food and go hungry, but those who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing.”
What do you think about this? How have you seen God lately? Feel free to comment on this post.
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