“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” – Luke 6:12
With each passing day, I have a greater appreciation for moments of solitude. It is a time where I can focus and think clearly without all the noise and distractions of the world. This is especially important when making critical decisions.
In our passage we find Jesus in isolation on a mountainside praying to God before selecting out of his disciples those who would serve as apostles. This is a pivotal decision for Jesus because the apostles would be responsible for the spreading of the gospel after his death, burial and resurrection. Jesus understood the importance and weight of this decision and spent time in meditation and prayer with God beforehand. Being alone with God saved him from the distractions that his disciples and other followers could have presented. Being alone gave Jesus the environment to hear his thoughts and God clearly.
I feel Kendrick Lamar when he says, “sometimes I need to be alone…” We need to be alone so we can distinctly hear God’s voice about choices that can have a substantial impact on our lives and the lives of others. Today I want to encourage you make space in your days for “alone” time. Allow this time to be the sacred moments that you share with God and God alone, especially when making important decisions that affect future outcomes. Unplug from the noise and distractions of the world and connect with God. Put down Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Kik, Pinterest, and all the other media outlets that vie for our attention. Too often we find ourselves seeking the insight of our twitter “followers” and Facebook “friends” about life altering decisions instead of seeking the One who gave us life. Find your “mountainside.” Whether it is a park, lake, or closet, find a place that you can separate yourself from the frenzy of life and hear clearly from the Creator.
#ConsiderThis
Consider This... 