Silent Reflections

June 17, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them”  Psalm 145:18-19

 

Something to Think About:

 

~How often do you experience purposeful quietness in your life?

~What are the biggest distractions in your life?

~How would your life change if you spent a little time each day in silent reflection with the Savior?

 

       In the hustle and bustle of life, we all desperately need still, quiet moments spent alone with God.

 

      Each morning, I spend the first fifteen minutes, filling my mind full of God. Fifteen minutes turns into thirty and thirty into an hour. More often I find there is rarely a single, solitary moment of each 24 hours that the marvelous thought of God and His awesome goodness is not inserted into every split second throughout my day. It is my forever desire that God be intricately woven completely through this meager existence of vapored mist, I call my life.

 

    Jesus had to get up very early to steal time with His Father.  If He went up a hill to pray alone, packs of people would gather below awaiting His return – “At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them” Luke 4:42. 

 

     If he jumped into a boat to slip off to the other side of a lake, word of His movements would race Him to the other side, where a colony of the community would assemble- “When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns” Matthew 14:13. 

 

     At the beginning of His ministry at age thirty, Jesus pulled away from everyone to spend forty days in the wilderness to pray and fast. While alone, Jesus was tested three times by Satan, but each time answered the challenge with Scripture and a profound sense of His purpose in life.. Jesus was able to resist Satan’s temptations because He knew and obeyed the Scriptures. By memorizing the Scriptures, you too can use God’s Word as a weapon in spiritual combat as you resist Satan’s attacks.

 

     Again, at the end of His earthly life, Jesus escaped from the crowds to pray alone in the Garden of Gethsemane. It was there, with the agony of the cross just before Him, that He reaffirmed His most earnest desire: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42 Was Jesus trying to get out of His mission? NO! Jesus was merely exposing His dread of the coming trials, but He also reaffirmed His commitment to do what God wanted. It is never wrong for you to share your true feelings with God.

 

     Jesus’ actions set an example for all of us. If Jesus needed solitude for prayer and refreshment, how much more is this true for you and I? Ever come to the end of your day only to discover that you have made no time at all to be alone with God? Television, radio, meetings, ballgames, chores and children are a cacophony of daily distractions which crowd out time for prayer and silent reflection. No matter how much you have to do, you always have time for prayer. Don’t become so busy, that life turns into a flurry of activity leaving no room for quiet fellowship alone with your Creator.

 

     Now, you don’t have to take a forty-day trip to the desert to create ways to spend quiet time alone with God. By prioritizing your plate of passions, you will recognize your distractions and discover how you can begin some much needed and deserved quiet time with the Savior.

 

God Will…

 

Give you unlimited access to Him – “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:12

 

Bear your burdens – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

 

Give you rest – “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29

 

     Remember, the purpose of silent reflection is to focus your whole heart, soul and mind on God!

 

Dear Father,

 

     You speak to me in so many ways through Your Word, which is “a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path”.  I long for the intimate moments I spend in quiet reflection and solitude before You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

 

May we as Christ-believers bear more fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control. (Galatians 5:22)