Have you ever taken a trip away??? Away from everything, everybody and just drove. There’s something about the pavement…….. It represents “getting away”, or even heading towards an actual goal or direction. For some of us it represents the feeling of a direction we’d rather be or should be going. Yes there’s something about the opportunity to retreat with your own thoughts, some good music, and a destination. It feels outside of your everyday routine which is what makes it unique within the correct opportunity.

WHY AWAY IS NECESSARY

Most of what makes it so great is the fact that it feels like you’re everywhere else other than where there’s business to tend to, repetition, and a sense of feeling trapped or tied down to several obligations. Obligations are good, but balance is key. When you cannot separate yourself from those obligations enough to have a clear headspace and enjoy God’s rest, presence, and voice, it can way over-stress you. Which is why away is necessary. Maybe for you it’s not going for a drive away from the noise but it going someplace serene or simply dwelling in a quieter space within your own house full of people.

JESUS NEEDED TO WITHDRAWAL

Even Jesus realized after being amongst the crowds to teach, heal, and rebuke, he needed a place of solitude to go and pray and restore. We should see value in the same because there is a time to share and work and then we must rest.

Mark 1:35 NIV- Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

WHERE’S YOUR PLACE TO CLEAR, HEAR, REST AND RESTORE?

1. Your back porch or deck

2. Going fishing at a lake

3. The countryside

4. A quiet altar or pew

5. Your home Study

6. A quiet beach spot

7. Your car

8. A trail or track to walk or hike

9. Your Bedroom

10. A park bench

Because we all live in totally different societies, environments, and surroundings which means our place to escape and withdrawal will look different from the next person. We also choose a place of solitude based off of our interest. For example, I enjoy nature and the outdoors, so I find it easier to connect to God, while walking through a park, driving through the countryside, or going for a bike ride. It’s important to go alone so you can release the clutter from your mind and seek the peace and clarity only God can impart at the greatest extents. 

Luke 5:16 NIV-  But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

We’re reminded of how important solitude is to release and pray but many of us feel trapped where the only separation from people happening is when it’s time to go to sleep. By then all you’ll want to do is… SLEEP! I want to remind you that in your near exhaustion, before you turn that lamp light off, take a moment, read a scripture and thank the Lord. I even slip some earbuds in with worship music to calm the end of evening’s rushing thoughts of what’s still not completed and what’s waiting for me in the morning. Some people and tasks are harder to escape than others and are never going away. So you have to! If you cannot physically withdrawal then do so in your mind. God will meet you there too! Then as this becomes a regular desire you’ll see that ”Living water” does quench your thirst, restore you and you’ll begin to crave the next opportunity for your spirit to connect intimately with your beautiful Savior. 

Luke 6:12 NIV- One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.