A Quiet Retreat

Jesus would often go away from the crowd to pray in quiet places.

Luke 5:15 EASY

How important is prayer in your life? As your schedule gets busier, do you find less time to pray and sit alone with God? I am guilty of that at times.

Luke records a busy time in Jesus’ ministry. More and more people started to hear the news about Jesus. Crowds were coming to hear him teach. Sick people also wanted him to make them well (Luke 5:15 EASY).

The buzz about Jesus circulated through the towns and villages. His fame increased. People came in droves to see and hear him. Now that is a thriving ministry! Jesus was accomplishing the purposes he was sent to do. He was teaching. He was preaching. He was healing sick people. It seems logical that he would spend more of his time in this capacity.

But the opposite happened. Jesus would often go away from the crowd to pray in quiet places (Luke 5:16 EASY). Jesus prioritized his time alone with God, praying. He didn’t let the busyness of life squeeze out his prayer time. He needed that continual connection with the Father. And so do we.

In college, I was convicted to set aside time alone with God, even on busy days. Those times I had multiple tests or projects due, I couldn’t see how everything would get done while adding in a quiet time. When I was faithful, I had time to study and complete assignments.

I recall God’s faithfulness during that season now when I have many pressures and time constraints. I am encouraged to make time to pray. When I do, I am more at peace throughout the day. When I neglect these quiet retreats with God, I tend to be more irritable and anxious.

If you don’t have time set aside with God, would you give it a try? It will be worth it.

Father, nothing is more important than our relationship with you. You are our life, our peace, our salvation, our greatest desire.

Terri Vardeman