Have you ever stopped to think how really busy this time of year is? For many of us, for differing reasons, time must seem in short supply. For some there is the harvest, endlessly ensuring you beat the rain, rushing to cut the crop whilst the sun shines. For Methodist’s, September onwards brings endless meetings, preparations for the coming seasons, and new beginnings.
For whatever reason time is taken up; doing things seems to be the pre-occupation of the day.
Jesus had the same problem. From the very first chapter of Mark’s gospel, we read how he was always in demand, banishing demons, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, caring for the poor; it never seems to stop. Then, like an oasis, near the end of that first chapter a peaceful moment appears out of nowhere, and it reads: –
‘In the morning while it was still very dark, (Jesus) got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed’.
Jesus needed time alone, to ask for guidance and to receive assurance he was doing what his Father willed of him.
In all the rush, the needing to do things, where is our quiet time for God. When do we take time to pray for guidance and reassurance that what we are doing is what is required of us? It is so easy to push God out of our minds as we strive to occupy our time. Of course, we cannot do without the harvest, the care for the children, the holiday, but we should also never go without our quiet time with God.
In these last few weeks I have been guilty more than most in filling up my time, but lately together with my dogs, I have taken to walking in my quiet place and finding that space for God which is so vital to my life. The psalmist in psalm 16 puts it this way; ‘(O God) You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore’
In the hectic weeks ahead remember to stop, find a quiet place even for just five minutes, and pray. God will never be too busy to listen.