by Grant Kaul, Senior Pastor
“But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.” Luke 5:16
Have you ever awakened with your mind already racing? Before your feet even touch the floor, your thoughts are consumed with responsibilities, problems, and the demands of the day. It is as though you went from deep sleep to full-speed overdrive in a matter of seconds. Like a firefighter jolted awake by the alarm of a blazing fire, we can find ourselves emotionally swept into action before we have taken a single moment to meet with God.
While there are times when unexpected emergencies require our immediate attention, that should not become our normal way of living. Day after day, we need more than the ability to manage life’s pressures—we need to be renewed by God’s presence. Otherwise, we will be carried along by the whirlwind of anxiety, fear, hurry, and endless activity.
Jesus modeled a different way of life. No one carried greater responsibilities or lived with a clearer sense of purpose than He did. Every day was filled with people to teach, needs to meet, and a mission to accomplish. Yet throughout His ministry, Jesus intentionally withdrew to spend time with His Father. Those moments were not interruptions to His work; they were essential to it. Time alone with the Father was more than a good habit; it was an expression of trust and dependence. For those who follow Jesus, it is not merely a nice idea; it is a necessary way of life.
Our heavenly Father delights in spending time with His children. He welcomes our prayers, listens to our burdens, rejoices in our joys, and faithfully shepherds our hearts. He invites us to slow down, open His Word, and enjoy His presence. So each day, slip away for a few moments. “Cease striving and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). As we learn to quiet our hearts before Him, we discover that lasting peace and clear perspective are found not in doing more, but in being renewed by God’s presence.