Mathew 14:13
13When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place
When I read this this morning it reminded me even Jesus needed time alone. In this passage Jesus had just heard John the Baptist was killed. Perhaps Jesus needed time alone to grieve. Throughout Jesus’ ministry on earth he takes time out to be by himself. Whether it is time away to grieve, rest or to pray we should follow Jesus’ example.
Time Away to Grieve
Have you ever learned of someone’s passing and just wanted time alone to grieve? I remember when my friend Ralph died. We had been dating about two years when he got stomach cancer. The hospice nurse called early Saturday morning to tell me Ralph died at the nursing home he was at. At the time my kids seven and eight years old. Their father and I had divorced earlier that year and they were living with him during the last five weeks of Ralph’s life so I could spend as much time with Ralph as I could before he passed. However, my children’s father was out of town that weekend and was due back late that afternoon.
I made arrangements for someone to come and stay with my kids while I went to the nursing home to say “goodbye”. When I got home, I just wanted time away from my children to cry. I felt awful about wanting this time away, but my heart was broken, I just needed time away. As it turned out my children’s father was late getting back to town to take the kids. I ended up having a panic attack and called 911. I was never so scared in my life. I ended up in the emergency room. I had never had a panic attack before. If you need time to grieve, please find away to take time out.
Time Away to Rest
The picture was taken last night when I was going out to my car for my meal break. It was a busy night at work, and I welcomed my coworker when she came over to give me my half hour meal break. I rushed out to my car and saw the sun setting just over the trees and I wished I had my nice DSLR with me to take the picture. My cell phone would have to do.
I sat down in my car and got my sandwich out to eat. Ah, time away from the stress of work. Pretty soon it will be to cold too sit in my car and eat and I will be forced to eat in the break room with others. It will not be as quite nor will I be left to myself. Someone usually wants to sit with me. I will enjoy my mealtime in my car while I can. Take time out for yourself to rest.
Time Away to Pray
Jesus often took time away to pray. I usually take time for Bible reading and praying in my journal every morning. However, it is in my living room and I find myself distracted with a list of things to do which I can see from my chair. Then the Lord reminds me this is His and my time away to communicate together. I apologize and ask for help focusing. My to do list can wait. This is our time together. Do you have a time away to pray? For help with prayer journaling see https://northwoodsgirlblogging.com/prayer-journaling/
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Invitation to Retreat: The Gift and Necessity of Time Away with God
By Ruth Haley Barton / InterVarsity Press
A gracious call to come away from the busyness of life and rest awhile in God! Encouraging you to seek a fresh encounter with the Lord through “strategic withdrawal,” Barton guides you on a personal exploration of seven practices that are designed to enhance the physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits of intentional retreat. 149 pages, hardcover from InterVarsity.
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Great post! I never really thought that much about Jesus taking some time alone, but you are right. Thanks for making me see this in a new light!
Thank you for sharing! Yes, there’s always a time for everything! May God bless us in all that we do. Sending you healing and blessings!
Absolutely agree! There’s always a time for everything. Giving your body a break to disconnect from it all is very important to your well being.
Yes, I certainly find that I need time away for many reasons and most of all to spend time with God and in quiet reflection. It’s a recharge from my mind and spirit!
Yes, taking time away from the hurry of life is so important. It’s times like these that I feel connected with God and refocused on what lies ahead.
This is so good. I need to take time quite a bit to collect myself and when I don’t the panic sets in. Jesus is so good to us and is ready and waiting to fill our cups back up to overflowing when we need it. Beautiful post my friend …
Nothing can be so healing to one’s soul that taking time to pray and spend quiet, quality time with the Lord. I am so sorry that you had to go through such a difficult situation.
It happened in 2006. Much has happened to me since then but I still miss him. God has been so good to me.
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. Death is so painful and we do need time to grieve. Thanks for you honesty and transparency writing this. I do believe many will be able to relate to your story.
Those are the most precious moments in life – Time away with Jesus. God bless you with abundance of his comfort and love during this time Alice.
I never hesitate to take time away to pray or to do whatever, although taking time away from work should be on my list as well. Thanks for this reminder.
I’m so sorry for your loss of your friend. Grieving the loss of special people in our lives does take time and it’s important to take the time away, and also with others, to work through that grief. Thank you for sharing this post! Blessings!
I need time on my own to get peace and my chat with God. Once I get that time I am refreshed and able to take on the next task! Jesus always sets a good example!