How often do we plan to spend some time alone with God, and
some earthly distraction looms before us, demanding our undivided attention? We
look wistfully at our little prayer chair or prayer closet or secret place and
feel the draw of God’s Spirit on our spirit. However, the world pulls our soul
– our thoughts, choices and feelings - away from our Beloved Father.
Whenever God claims our attention, Satan makes sure that
our mind wanders and our affections are torn. We cannot even finish the train
of thought in our prayers before demonic activity highjacks our attention. God
longs to liberate us from the demands of our temporal life and to set us free
to soar with Him in the spiritual realm. He wants to remove us from our
busyness and give us His rest (Hebrews 4:10).
Martha, Jesus’ friend, was distracted by the duties in her
world too. She demanded that Jesus order Mary, her sister, to help her to get
dinner ready. Jesus told Martha that Mary already chose the best course for her
time. There would be plenty of opportunities for domestic activities when Jesus
was not in their presence (Luke 10:42). Our duties are always with us
too; so schedule time alone with God.
God wants our undivided, focused attention with our vision
and thoughts on nothing other than His face. Then God comforts us, inspires us,
directs us and loves on us from the depths of our soul. We must jealously guard
this time, setting it aside every day or even several times a day. We also
commune with God without ceasing all throughout our day (1
Thessalonians 5:17).
Prayer:
Father God, You call some of us to the ministry of
intercession, and Your Spirit prompts us to lift up certain ones in prayer.
Yet, we also spend alone time with You, because in Your presence is fullness of
joy and pleasure forevermore (Psalm 16:11). You mold us by Your grace and
replace our carnal flesh with the fruit of Your Spirit (Galatians
5:22-23). As we contemplate Your glory, You shape us into the image
of Christ, our Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Thought for the Day:
Much is accomplished in the spiritual realm when we make
the time to spend in the presence of God.
