Time Alone

It is such a busy time of the year. Calendars are full of activities. We are all moving at the speed of light to get everything ready for Christmas. There are gifts to be purchased, meals to be made, cards to be sent out, and trees to trim. We are trying to do this on top of all of our normal activities. It can be exhausting and easy to get so wrapped up in all of the busyness that we forget to steal some time away alone. 

Jesus knew this and led by example. Our Savior, who was perfect, made the effort to break away from the crowds so He could spend some time alone with our Father.

In Mark 6:46, after feeding the five thousand, we read Jesus went to the mountain to pray alone. It had been a very busy day, and He needed to be with His Father.

But Jesus didn’t just do this one time. He made a habit of it. 

Luke 5:16 “But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.

Not only did Jesus make time to be alone, He encouraged His apostles to do the same. When the apostles returned from sharing the gospel and casting out spirits, they were reporting to Jesus all that they had done. In Mark 6:31, He says to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” 

They needed to spend some time away from the busyness and rest. We are no different. Our bodies need it. Our minds need it. And while it may seem that we don’t have time to do it, I believe we have so much to do that we don’t have time not to do it.

Everywhere we go music is blaring and people are racing around trying to get everything checked off the to do list. We need to slip away to pray, to reflect, to listen. No one is going to schedule it for us. It is something we must do for ourselves. 

The early morning is my favorite time of the day. The house is quiet. The coffee is brewed. I wrap up under one of my favorite blankets and spend time with God before all of the craziness begins. I enjoy that time alone. In fact, I look forward to it. It is an opportunity to get my heart ready for the day.

Others I know enjoy that time later in the evening after everyone has gone to bed. Families with small children have to take the time whenever they can get it. It doesn’t matter what part of the day we choose. It only matters that we intentionally choose some part of the day to spend with God. 

He is our rock, our solid foundation, the one constant in life. He is where we find comfort, solace and a renewed spirit. He keeps me grounded when I feel like everything around me is spinning out of control. 

Jesus knew the importance of slipping away. How much more important is it that we do the same!