by Jordyn van Gaalen

Time Away With God

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Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke 5:15-16 New International Version

I am a true introvert at my very core. I always have been. And so the quiet is something I desperately crave. I know not everyone can relate to being introverted — to being refilled by complete alone time, to needing time away from crowds and noise and all stimuli.

But there is something so valuable in the quiet for everyone, especially in the culture we live in characterized by a fast pace, busy schedule, adrenaline-fueled hurry, and constant white noise and activity.  

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.
Mark 6:30-32 NIV

If the Son of God took time alone to be with God, how much more do we need that kind of time and space?

Jesus took his apostles to someplace where they could be completely by themselves, and he tells them the purpose is to get some rest. Rest from the crowds, rest from the healings, rest from the preaching. Rest from good, God-pleasing tasks. Despite the wonderful things they were accomplishing, they still needed to rest and recover. They needed to step away and breathe. Most importantly, they needed to be in undivided communication with God. 

Jesus used his intentional solitude to be with His Father. He used it to find rest and sustenance in God, He used it in decision-making, and He used it prior to a monumental event. 

The God of the universe took time away from the crowds and the activity and the chaos. He has given us a perfect example to follow. If it was important to Him, it’s important in our lives and in our daily walk with our Savior.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado