However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. Luke 5:15-16 NKJV
The dictionary defines the wilderness as an area in which few people live that is more or less in its natural state. The wilderness, a solitary place where we can be alone with God. It has been that way from the beginning.
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Genesis 2:7 NKJV
In the beginning man was alone to walk with God in the cool of each morning. There were no distractions, disruptions, or even another soul to pull him into any other direction. He was alone with God! This is how our time with Him each day should be, alone in a solitary place, with no distractions. The Lord desires this time of fellowship with us.
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 NIV
Every day Jesus would rise early in the day, and go off to pray. He valued that time alone with God the Father. If our Lord needed that time in the wilderness, how much more do we?
Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. Mark 1:35 NKJV
Jesus set the example and it pleases our God when we follow His lead.
When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17 NKJV
In Jesus, the Father is well pleased! Using Christ as our example, let us find a solitary place to walk with the Father every day. Let us make our way into our own wilderness- with HIM!
Remember to love one another!
Barnabas
Special thanks to Barnabas for this guest submission.