Sound familiar? Our modern lives often get the best of us. We fill our days with work, family, friends, and hobbies. Then unexpected problems throw out our well-laid plans. There is always more work to do, more people to help. It’s a weighty load to bear.

How do we survive?

As always, Jesus shows us the way. When problems arose and the pressures became great, “He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” Luke 5:16.

“No other life was ever so crowded with labor and responsibility as was that of Jesus; yet how often He was found in prayer! How constant was His communion with God!… In a life wholly devoted to the good of others, the Savior found it necessary to withdraw from the thoroughfares of travel and from the throng that followed Him day after day. He must turn aside from a life of ceaseless activity and contact with human needs, to seek retirement and unbroken communion with His Father.” *

“As one with us, a sharer in our needs and weaknesses, He was wholly dependent upon God, and in the secret place of prayer He sought divine strength, that He might go forth braced for duty and trial. In a world of sin Jesus endured struggles and torture of soul. In communion with God He could unburden the sorrows that were crushing Him. Here He found comfort and joy…” *

A quiet place. Alone. With God.

It was Jesus’ “go-to” and it should be ours too. Yes, it is challenging at first. But when we commit to taking private time with God, it soon becomes easier and we realize can’t live without it!

“Come ye yourselves apart,” He bids us. If we would give heed to His word, we should be stronger and more useful….We must individually hear Him speaking to the heart. When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. He bids us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10. Here alone can true rest be found….” *

How can we find a private place alone with God in our busy lives? Here are some suggestions that have worked for others that may be helpful to you:

A Private Time to Be with God:

  • Early morning, before others are awake.
  • When the kids are napping.
  • Between appointments at work.
  • Or another time that you have alone during the day.
  • Schedule it so that it doesn’t get pushed out by other things.

A Private Place Alone with God:

  • A special chair or place in your home
  • Outside like Jesus.
  • In your office with doors closed.
  • In your car.
  • In the bathroom or a closet.
  • Is there another place in your life where you can for sure be alone with Jesus?

Friends, when we realize that His voice is the only voice that matters; we will prioritize time with God, and He will bless us with His presence!

Dig Deeper:

Read about Jesus’ alone time with God in Mark 1:32-39; 6:7-32; Luke 4:31-5:16; 6:12-16; and John 6:1-21. For added insight, read “Come Rest Awhile”, Desire of Ages, chapter 38, by Ellen White. Read it online at https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/130.1726

P.S. How do you find private time with God? Share what you do to be alone with God, ask a question, make a comment or request prayer. We’d love to hear from you!

* Quotations taken from Desire of Ages by Ellen White, p. 362-363.

Note: This devotional is part of a 10 part series on 5 Keys to Enjoying God’s Word. If you have not already, please take time to read the devotionals in the series. How to Turn on God’s Alarm Clock, Finding a Quiet Place Alone with God, Faith – Essential Preparation for Bible Study, A Willing Heart for Bible Study, How to Read the Bible, and Tools for Bible Study, Conversation with God, How to be Transformed by God’s Word, God’s Seven Tools for Remembering, Why God Wants You to Share What You Learn. Also, please see the related video devotionals with Pastor McKenzie.

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