Read: Mark 1:29-2:12
We live busy lives. Our days often feel like one unending to-do list. Finding time every day to be still and to communicate with God (which can feel like a one-sided conversation sometimes) is a hard thing to do. And even if we are able to carve out the time, who knows what "quiet time" is supposed to look like?
In Mark 1:35, Jesus gives us an example of what quiet time can look like. Jesus gets up very early in the morning, leaves the house, and goes to a solitary place to pray. Isn't it encouraging to know that even Jesus needed time alone with His Father?
This one verse from Mark gives us three steps to help us have alone time with God on a regular basis:
First--We have to set a time and a routine. Jesus rises early in the morning, when it is still dark. It's the first thing He does when He wakes up. By rising early and making Jesus the first thing we focus our attention on, we can set the tone for our entire day.
Second--Jesus leaves the house. He removes Himself from distraction so that His time with God is completely focused. For us, maybe this means getting out of bed and sitting at a desk or kitchen table. Wherever it is, like Jesus, we need to be in a focused, distraction-free location.
Finally--Jesus goes to a solitary place. He is alone for a time with God. Get alone with God on a regular basis, and I know from experience it will change your life.
We must have time alone with our Creator to hear what He is saying to us. Though it may seem like a daunting feat at first, having daily, intentional time with the Lord is essential. It is so essential, in fact, that even Jesus needed it and provided a model for us to follow.
