There Alone

Daily Reading: Matthew 14

Scripture Focus: When evening came, he was there alone... (Matthew 14.23)

Devotional Thought: Do you ever get worn out by people? There are times we just want to be alone. And, there are times we need to be alone. Jesus had those times. The crowds wore him out. Even his closest friends could tax him to the limit. Then he would go off by himself. In Matthew 14, he experienced such a time, and went up on a mountain to be alone. To be with God.

Jesus was intentional about this. First, he sent the disciples away. Jesus didn't just dismiss them, but he gave them a destination and a purpose. They were to go "to the other side" where more meaningful ministry awaited them. He also planned to rendezvous with them. But, the fact of the matter is, he needed to very specifically say to them, "I want to be with you, but not now. I have something else that I just have to take care of." Are you in the habit of sending your 'friends' away, so you can be with God?

Then, Jesus dismissed the crowds. These crowds were those who needed his constant attention. They were very demanding. They were important to Jesus, just as were his friends, and they were the reason he had come - God's purpose for him. But, even the crowds had to take a back seat at times, waiting while Jesus communed with his Father. There are times in all our lives, when even legitimate demands must give way.

Finally, Jesus went up the mountain where he would not be disturbed. He needed quiet, undistracted time where he could not only talk to, but also hear from God. In modern parlance - no TV, no phone, no internet.

What are your plans for being alone with God?

Prayer: Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! That calls me from a world of care... Lord, I long for those times with you. Help me to purposefully plan to pray. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 90.7-12

7 For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed. 8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.

9 For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. 10 The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. 11 Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you?

12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.