Pause

The Bible tells us that God was at work in Jesus, bringing about God’s will in the world.

But you may wonder just what that looks like. What was God up to in the life of Christ?

This time you have chosen to give yourself to quiet devotion may give you a clue. See if you can learn more about God now.

Listen

In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Mark 1:35-39

Think

Most of us have no concept of what it is like to get up and pray while it’s still very dark. My guess is, given the chance, most of us would sleep every day until at least 10:00. Yet here’s Jesus, doing something that sounds crazy. Which makes me wonder — why did he do that? Why get up while it was still dark and go pray in a deserted place?

I think Jesus realized something that most of us do not. Having a relationship with God, hearing God’s voice, and doing what God would have us to do takes some effort on our part. That means setting aside time to be in a place without distractions, to spend time alone with God. Jesus came to set an example for us — praying alone, but also having a public faith; going to where people were, telling them about God, and meeting their needs. We should strive to do the same.

Susan Reed

Pray

Holy God, I don’t always include you in my life. Help me to follow the example Jesus set. Help me to desire time to spend with you, time to grow in my faith, and boldness to share my faith with others. Amen.

Go

Whatever you are facing,
No matter how hard the road,
Christ is still in Jesus,
Helping to carry your load.