Jesus often pulled away for a quiet time with God.
The news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed. . . . But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:15-16 (NIV)
Often times we love crowds and being around others. But for spiritual growth and balance, alone time with God is critical. Our personal prayer time is a decompression chamber when we take our cares to God.
During this special time do everything you can to eliminate noise. Noise stress is one of the top stressors in our lives. Whether it is checking Facebook, turning on the news or music, hold off just a while and spend quality quiet time with God. Talking to God is prayer, Hearing from God comes through His word, the Bible. Take 15 minutes first thing in the morning, read one of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) and listen to what God is saying to you.
PRIORITIZE: Start your day getting rid of the noise in your life. Set your day in the right way with the Good News which is the Gospel.
PRAY: Dear God, Thank you for the examples of Jesus. Thank you for teaching me how to have true balance in my busy life. I really need Your help to develop the habit of true quiet time with You. Create in me a discipline to shut off noise and be still so I can know that You are God. Thank you for caring for me so that I can bring all my cares to You. Help me to devote time to You each day, please. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.