Where are your out-of-the-way places?
In The Message we read:
“Jesus instructed him, “Don’t talk about this all over town. Just quietly present your healed self to the priest, along with the offering ordered by Moses. Your cleansed and obedient life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done.” But the man couldn’t keep it to himself, and the word got out. Soon a large crowd of people had gathered to listen and be healed of their ailments. As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer” (Luke 5:14-16 The Message).
Do you get overwhelmed, feel like you are crowded in, have too many tasks in your in-box?
I used to feel this way – often.
Recently I have learned to ask God before committing myself to “one more thing”. Join me at my new blog A Better Way to see the rest of my post on how I try to cope with this situation.
But even when we get into a situation of “there is too much on my plate”, we have to remember what Jesus did. As often as possible Jesus withdrew – where? To out-of-the-way places. Personally, when my kids were small I found the bathroom a very safe retreat. I could ask God to hold it all together for me; bring me down to a calmer frame of mind; remind me what really was important.
Where is your out-of-the-way place? If you haven’t found one yet – try to think where you could go for that moment of respite; for the time to call out to God. It is better to be prepared because we know that time will come and if we have that spot chosen it will be easier to get there – quickly.
My Gratitude Journal for this week:
49. Praise and worship music that makes my heart soar
50. A walk around the lake
51. Sunshine skies
52. Inventors of medicine
53. Someone to mow the lawn (at home – my husband, in Arizona – someone else)
54. The sweet song of the birds singing in the morning
55. Naturopath doctors
Don’t forget to check the side panel to see all the countries I have prayed for this year. Join me in Prayers for the World.
Prayer:
Father, we know that Jesus went to quiet spots to pray. Help us to find our quiet spots now. Then when we need them we know were to go. Thank You for being there in the midst of the noise and in our quiet times. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN
