Author: astherainandsnow

“Vindicate me, O Lord,
    for I have walked in my integrity,
    and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
Prove me, O Lord, and try me;
    test my heart and my mind.
For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
    and I walk in your faithfulness.”

“I will not set before my eyes
    anything that is worthless.
I hate the work of those who fall away;
    it shall not cling to me.
A perverse heart shall be far from me;
    I will know nothing of evil.” Psalm 26:1-3; 101:3-4

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” Matthew 6:22

“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,.. and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him.., so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” Hebrews 12:1-3

“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2

Eyes are the window to the soul, the door to the mind, the spark to emotion, the prompt to impulse. To keep good and not evil, meaningful and not worthless, lofty and not profane, love and not arrogance, takes a consistent, definitive act of the will. Be careful little eyes what you see!

With the gift of sight comes much responsibility, because what we look on ultimately determines our loves and investments. The enemy presents a daily array intended to arrest us and captivate affections, to draw us in and suck us dry. With everything available and alluring, we must train the eye to focus, sometimes immediately near, sometimes beyond the fray to the eternal and beyond, always on Jesus. The Lord gives discernment when we deliberately commit what to turn from and what to be intent on for His sake.

Are we regularly setting God’s steadfast love before us? How are we seeking His face? Do we relish His benevolence and care, and look for Him in our routines? With thankfulness comes expectation, training our eyes to see His hand of grace, favor, and beauty. (Psalms 27:8)

Have we determined what not to look on for our protection and witness, and His honor? What steps will we take to block off what turns us astray and denigrates our morals or His name? In what area has His Spirit alerted our conscience to fit blinders to bitterness, constant complaint, or lewd visuals, and to actively refocus?

As Jesus looked to His Father and the joy before Him, will we look to Jesus for perseverance in testing, zeal in living, and vitality in worship?

“Oh, be careful, little eyes, what you see,
Oh, be careful, little eyes, what you see.
There’s a Father up above looking down in tender love,
Oh, be careful, little eyes, what you see.” ~ Harry Dixon Loes (1892-1965)

Lord, fix my eyes on You, keeping Your holiness, worth, and glory before me all my days.

“And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!^‘ And Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.^‘ And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ And the blind man said to him, ‘Rabbi, let me recover my sight.^‘ And Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way….

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 10:46-52; 11:24

Bartimaeus lacked in many ways: sight, support, means. But he could hear, and he knew about Jesus, that he was no ordinary man. When heavy feet approached on the road where he begged and he realized Jesus was in the crowd, he called out His name and appealed to His mercy. Rebuked and shushed by the gathering people, his urgency grew and he repeated his cry. Noticed and beckoned forward, he sprang toward his only hope. I want to see. Jesus responded to his claim in faith with instant healing of his sight, and from that moment on, Bartimaeus had eyes only for Him.

We are helpless beggars all, sin-stained, inept, on the fringes save for the mercy of God. Often we settle in that spiritual malaise, without hope and purpose, resigned to weak-sensed, powerless living. We name our woes and blame others for difficult circumstances, but fail to step up to name Jesus as the Redeemer He is and claim the mercy and help He exists to impart. His plans for us and ability to perform them are the opposite of helpless and hopeless. (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

Where have we grown crotchety with complaint, or content with apathy or blind malaise? Do we know enough about how Jesus works among men to recognize His deeds, His approach, His voice, His possibilities for our infirmities? What can we begin to practice by study and meditation on His word, and by bold prayer with active faith, to understand and experience God’s potential in our weaknesses? What complacency, stubbornness, or rebellion need we throw off once for all to rise and approach Jesus and appropriate His power? (Mark 10:26-27)

What new spiritual sensitivities have our challenges sharpened? Where have we, or will we, turn from despair and languishing to confidently claim His power to transform? Where is His Spirit stirring us to proclaim His name and the more that He envisions we own and exercise for His kingdom’s sake?

Lord, entwine my thinking, worship, and desire with Your mighty name and all its power and glory.

“The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals. They abandoned the God of their fathers who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after other gods, from among the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed down to them… So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he gave them over to plunderers… He sold them into the hand of their surrounding enemies, so that they could no longer withstand their enemies. Whenever they marched out, the hand of the Lord was against them for harm, as the Lord had warned… And they were in terrible distress.

“Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them. Yet they did not listen to their judges, for they whored after other gods and bowed down to them. They soon turned aside from the way in which their fathers had walked, who had obeyed the Lord… Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge. For the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who afflicted and oppressed them. But whenever the judge died, they turned back and were more corrupt.., going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them. They did not drop any of their practices or their stubborn ways. So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he said,.. ‘I will no longer drive out any of the nations… in order to test Israel by them, whether they will take care to walk in the way of the Lord…'” Judges 2:11-12,14-22

“You have rejected me, declares the Lord;
    you keep going backward,
so I have stretched out my hand against you and destroyed you—
    I am weary of relenting.” Jeremiah 15:6

Repeatedly the people of Israel did evil, and over and over the Lord intervened with judges who would set things right. But God did not force Himself on His people, insisting they learn to worship rightly even as they refused to honor Him as Lord. An undivided heart must be exercised. (Psalm 86:11)

Present culture teaches not the fear of the Lord. The enemy has blinded us to His worthiness and twisted man’s perception of accountability. Living only for self and today, we’re deceived by the foolishness of idol-worship and cry for help only when we suffer from self-inflicted misery.

God’s mercy and love for His own are as boundless as His wisdom and might. All our infinite God’s attributes are infinite. But according to His holiness, He will not put up with repeated rebellion and unchecked sin. He relents from harsh judgment in compassion and pity, yet does not relent forever. He extends grace in lavish measure, yet it is not a license for continued sin. He goes after and stirs His people, created to reflect His image, to test and sanctify, not to leave in complacency. (Romans 6:1-2)

In what repeated sins do we weary our loving Lord? Do we lollygag in doubt, self-deprecation, or worry? What commands trigger rebellion? What entertainment promotes lust, greed, or coveting? Are we adamant about being in charge, but distressed when He brings harsh consequences for our poor decisions? He owns every right.

Gracious Lord, may Your word remain my joy and delight, Your pleasure be my chief desire, Your glory my end.

“My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ while you say to the poor man, ‘You stand over there,’ or, ‘Sit down at my feet,’  have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court?  Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?

“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” James 2:1-9

There is great condemnation for those who see others through tainted lenses of favoritism or wrong assumptions. Jumping to conclusions with limited knowledge or prejudice borne of smugness, or based on appearance and not substance, is forbidden among brothers. Fulfilling God’s law means loving others as you love yourself, assuming only that they are of inestimable worth in God’s image.

Thinking ill of others and showing partiality poke weedy roots into attitude and expression. The less we guard our thought life and the more we practice unloving behavior, the more critical and mean-spirited we can become. We must beware the dangerous and repellent countenance.

Sometimes we assume the worst in others because of an unconscious knowledge of our own depravity. We might think so little of ourselves that we try to ameliorate self image or value by putting others down in comparison. We might repress ingrown or long-held shame and allow vitriol to take its place. We might harbor bitterness or jealousy that manifest themselves in uncharitable impulses. Opening the door of our minds and hearts to the light is the only way to see and accept God’s view of us, and then to see others rightly. (1 Samuel 16:7; John 8:32; 1 John 1:5-9)

Where are we making sloppy assumptions about others, assigning motives known only by God to their actions? Where do we impose the worst instead of the redemptive best on another’s intentions or behavior? Where are we blaming God for consequences rightly suffered? We will be found out. What will we do to align our thinking with God’s, and develop sincere gratitude and contentment? (Matthew 7:1-2; Hebrews 5:14; James 1:5)

Lord, give me eyes that I may see
With love and grace and honesty.
Infuse my heart with purity
That I think best of all I meet. (PEB)

“Oh, fill me with your fullness, Lord,
Until my very hearts o’erflows
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Your love to tell, your praise to show.” ~Frances Ridley Havergal (1872)

Lord, help me think as You do and judge with holy discernment and whole desire to bless others and bring You glory.

“The Ephraimites, armed with the bow,
    turned back on the day of battle.
They did not keep God’s covenant,
    but refused to walk according to his law.
They forgot his works
    and the wonders that he had shown them.
In the sight of their fathers he performed wonders
    in the land of Egypt…
He divided the sea and let them pass through it,
    and made the waters stand like a heap.
In the daytime he led them with a cloud,
    and all the night with a fiery light.
He split rocks in the wilderness
    and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.
He made streams come out of the rock
    and caused waters to flow down like rivers.

Yet they sinned still more against him,
    rebelling against the Most High in the desert.
They tested God in their heart
    by demanding the food they craved.
They spoke against God, saying,
    ‘Can God spread a table in the wilderness?
He struck the rock so that water gushed out
    and streams overflowed.
Can he also give bread
    or provide meat for his people?’

Therefore, when the Lord heard, he was full of wrath;
    a fire was kindled against Jacob;
    his anger rose against Israel,
because they did not believe in God
    and did not trust his saving power.
Yet he commanded the skies above
    and opened the doors of heaven,
and he rained down on them manna to eat
    and gave them the grain of heaven.
Man ate of the bread of the angels;
    he sent them food in abundance.
He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens,
    and by his power he led out the south wind;
he rained meat on them like dust,
    winged birds like the sand of the seas;
he let them fall in the midst of their camp,
    all around their dwellings.
And they ate and were well filled,
    for he gave them what they craved.
But before they had satisfied their craving,
    while the food was still in their mouths,
the anger of God rose against them,
    and he killed the strongest of them
    and laid low the young men of Israel.

In spite of all this, they still sinned;
    despite his wonders, they did not believe.” Psalm 78:9-32

Songs written for generations to come traced the hand and heart of God as they revealed the sin-stained folly of man. His mercies and faithfulness are highlighted against the poor choices of people, magnifying His glorious character against their fallen one. Such kindness, such deliverance, such victories are easily put aside for personal pride.

God does and does for His own, always looking on them in love, always working for their good. His wonders are beyond measure or count, His promises never fail, His supply is sufficient. Yet man, willful and fickle in selfish preferences, cocky with self confidence and determination, turns his back.

While every good gift from the Creator is available, we rebel in thought and deed. God’s mercy spans our sin, but it will not be continually mocked. Those who do not believe in Him, forget His works, and do not trust His saving power will reap what they sow. (Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:10-11; Galatians 6:7; James 1:17)

Where are we dangerously messing with God’s mercy? How have we allowed a shallow understanding of His grace to give license to sin? Where need we repent? (Romans 6:1-2)

Merciful Lord, keep my face, heart, and song toward You always.

“You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia,  serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews;  how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house,  testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.  And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there,  except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.  But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again.  Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all,  for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God… I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears…  In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive…’ I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’” Acts 20:18b-27,31b,35; 21:13b

Paul did not shrink from his call to preach, no matter the opposition. The whole time. With tears and trials. Did not cease. The Spirit of God had transferred his passion against Christians to one for Jesus and His people, and it showed day in, day out, in every city, in all things. Accusations, resistance, threats, even stoning would not stop his zeal for the One who’d saved him. He was a vibrant example to the early church in word, work, and prayer. Facing probable death, constrained by the Spirit, he blessed people with the commendation to pay careful attention, take seriously their responsibility before God in the church, and remain in His word of grace. (Acts 20:28-31a,32-34,36; 22:3-20)

Paul’s words resound for us today. We will spend time and energy on what we make priorities. If things of the world- financial success, being liked, knowledge, material goods- have captured our affection, we will be devoted to them to the ignoring or putting off of other activity. When the Spirit of God captivates our passion and set us on His course, we will value Him and His call above all else.

What have we bought into in life? What rules our night and day, emotions and drive? Have we shrunk back from early passion for Christ, or do we remain steadfast? It takes whole life surrender and buy-in to serve the Lord and His gospel.

What causes our zeal for the gospel to flag, and what will we do about it? Where have we succumbed to worldly pressures? Would we pray for the Lord to inspire fresh direction, humility, courage, and joy as we serve Him?

Lord, give me single-minded, whole-hearted zeal for You and Your gospel, for Your kingdom’s sake.

“Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
    incline your ears to the words of my mouth!
I will open my mouth in a parable;
    I will utter dark sayings from of old,
things that we have heard and known,
    that our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children,
    but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
    and the wonders that he has done.

He established a testimony in Jacob
    and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers
    to teach to their children,
that the next generation might know them,
    the children yet unborn,
and arise and tell them to their children,
   so that they should set their hope in God
and not forget the works of God,
    but keep his commandments;
and that they should not be like their fathers,
    a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation whose heart was not steadfast,
    whose spirit was not faithful to God.” Psalm 78:1-8

From everlasting to everlasting, the Lord is God, and He is for His people through all time. He is the creator of generations and intends that His story and ours with Him be told over and over to plant hope and faith in those who follow. Ache and redemption, lessons learned, grace applied, God’s glorious wonders, are all to be passed along and not forgotten. God’s people span every era, and their testimonies are living accounts of His ongoing marvels. (Psalm 90:1-2)

Many today see not beyond their all-important present. While some cultures revere the wisdom of the elderly and intentionally raise youngsters to become adults, others press aging people to extend the façade of youth and youth to disrespect them and not grow up beyond their selfish preferences and rights. God’s way is to ingrain in all a high view of Him and deep sense of continuity between generations. In bearing His image we are accountable for every age according to what’s been entrusted to us. What is our attitude in receiving His good gifts of time and health and spiritual understanding? (Matthew 12:36-37; Romans 14:12)

What do the words of our mouth tell of our great Lord? What is our message to a coming generation? When we are self-centered, our words will self-focus and serve our interests. When we are inflated with pride, we will tend to boast. When we harbor regret, resentment, or anger, we’ll complain, sow discord and destruction. But when we’re intent on glorifying the Lord by magnifying His deeds and building up His people, our words have power to edify, encourage, build faith, console, and multiply His praise. (Psalm 34:3)

What stories passed along to us have made deep impressions in how we think, believe, or behave? How can we pay forward those nuggets of wisdom and wonder? Do we recognize the purpose and power of our words and think before we speak? It’s vital for those who follow that we faithfully, honestly, deliberately tell what would otherwise be drowned out or lost. How might the coming generation live differently because of what I share?

Lord, may the song of my days draw others to consider You and take joy in the great things You have done and hope in what You can still do.

“And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him.  And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, ‘Do you see anything?’ And he looked up and said, ‘I see people, but they look like trees, walking.’ Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.” Mark 8:22-25

The some people are not identified, nor is the blind man named. The star of this story is Jesus and what He does in response to the bringing and begging and blind. His compassion and power are ignited to life-changing action by the needs and impetus of His people. They recognized the helplessness of the individual and expended the effort to take him to the One they believed could help. They implored Jesus on behalf of the miracles they knew He had and could perform. It is He who gave faith, awakened its impulses, and acted in glorious wisdom and beauty according to its exercise. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

The Christian life is one of constant integration with our heavenly Lord. His is the purpose and power, ours the onus to tap in and participate. His Spirit in us enlivens concern and care for others, as well as increasing knowledge of all He is capable of doing. As we grow and His Spirit quickens and sanctifies, our desires align with His and needs are matched by faith to His supply. (Hebrews 11:6)

Our responsibility is to know Him, what He does, and where He wants us involved. Are we in the word regularly to comprehend how He works in His world, and to glean His eternal perspective? Do we ask Him to teach us more of His gospel?

How involved are we willing to get in the mess of others? Whom do we know who is spiritually blind, and what effort do we take to bring them to Jesus? Do we care as much for the hard circumstances and long-lasting condition of others as we do for our own temporal wants? Whom can we pray for and practically help this day to see Christ anew?

“Come, ye sinners, poor and needy, 
weak and wounded, sick and sore; 
Jesus ready stands to save you, 
full of pity, love, and pow’r. 

Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome,
God’s free bounty glorify;
true belief and true repentance,
every grace that brings you nigh.

Let not conscience make you linger, 
nor of fitness fondly dream; 
all the fitness He requireth 
is to feel your need of Him. 

Come, ye weary, heavy laden, 
lost and ruined by the fall; 
if you tarry till you’re better, 
you will never come at all. 

Lo! th’incarnate God, ascended, 
pleads the merit of His blood; 
venture on Him, venture wholly; 
let no other trust intrude.” ~Joseph Hart (1759)

“Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb,
Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Savior come;
And leap, ye lame, for joy.” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Father, give me eyes to see needs, and the will to do all I can to see Your truth and power transform the needy, to Your praise.

“Herod had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. For John had been saying to Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’  And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not,  for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.

“But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.  For when Herodias’s daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you… Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom…’ And she… asked, saying, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’  And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison  and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.” Mark 6:17-23,25-28

Noted for a wide range of conflicting emotions that dictated ever swinging decisions, Herod was anything but a steady leader. His eyes glanced between solid and salacious, his heart swerved between conviction and lust, and his mind swayed between truth and temptation borne of insecurity and pride. He did not know whom he wanted to please most or to whom he ultimately answered. When conscience said one thing, emotions dictated another, and his thoughtless snap decisions wrought great folly, to his eternal detriment.

Steady, steady. Take a step back. Harness your emotions. Check your conscience. Hold onto truth. Heed warnings. Herod would smother every red flag the Lord offered. All glad listening, proper fear, and recognition of holiness went by the wayside when flesh and fancy were stirred and fickle impulses reined.

Oh, how carefully we must keep emotion in check! What logic tells us the flesh does not always follow. What the Holy Spirit prompts we do not always heed. The enemy will use all ammunition, physical and psychological, to undo righteous resolve. We must be alert, we must stand steady, we must keep guard against his wiles.

In present situations, what is my stance? Do I pride myself in going with the flow of what feels good, or relish doing things my way, independent of concern for others or accountability to my God? Where am I taking lightly His standards and warnings, trusting my own fallen conscience?

How well do I know how the Lord has called me to live? What decisions can I make ahead of time in serious prayer that will hold me fast in times of temptation? Will I commit to honoring Him above all else?

Father, keep me steady in every temptation, fixed in Your truth and for Your honor.

“The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.  Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them.  When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.  And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late.  Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.’ But he answered them, ‘You give them something to eat…’  And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all.  And they all ate and were satisfied.  And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish.  And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

“Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land.” Mark 6:30-37a,40-47

Jesus’s public ministry was continually fueled by private prayer. He gave and gave to the good of many, weathered biting criticism and grievous news, but also drew and drew from His heavenly Father. By necessity He often withdrew to be solitary, jealously guarding leisure with the Lord, modeling and encouraging the same for His followers. It was the very communion with God He kept that sharpened His vision, heightened His compassion, and empowered His teaching and training. (Mark 6:1-3,26-29)

Any zealous living for the Lord and consistent ministry is draining. Life spent for Him and others spends us to the limit of natural resources. The crowd of needs and personalities and responsibilities will never stop pressing, so we must by act of will make time with Jesus a priority. If we do not recognize our need for regular renewal through this communion, the Lord might force it upon us by a crash of passion, energy, or vision. It’s imperative for fruitful work and service to heed His call to come away by ourselves and be refreshed.

Are we too busy doing good things to know our limits? What inane occupations have filled any margin and desensitized us to the deep need for quiet leisure with God? Sequestering ourselves never just happens. Time needs to be planned, doors need to be closed, devices need to be turned off (and maybe abandoned), hearts need to be silenced and refocused. What will we implement this day to make the desolate place with God a hallowed and frequented place in our rhythms of time?

Lord, help me guard and treasure my time with You.