Random Journal Day #6
“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness
to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty
days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came
and ministered unto him.” Matthew 4:1-2, 11 (KJV)
{The following is a compilation of my journal entries from February 6, 1997 and February 7, 1997.}
(2/06/) Jesus was led by the spirit into the desert. For forty days and nights he fasted and prayed. This was time directed by the Lord. By obeying the Lord, Jesus became empowered to withstand the greatest temptations of mankind. I believe the Lord gave Him part of His divinity during this time away from the world.
We all go through times when we need to be alone with God to pray, to listen, to read our Bibles, to read the works of Christian writers. The purpose of these times of solitude is to mould us into more godly people.
(2/07/) At one time about six years ago, I was fearful of being alone. My husband worked nights, our son was away at college, and the first Desert Storm War was going on. I was alone at night and felt alone through the day. I learned I could read, work crossword puzzles, and eventually pursue a flower craft hobby-all because I was alone.
But God never leaves one of His alone. He has been with me when my family couldn’t understand the need I had then and because they couldn’t understand it seemed like they didn’t care. I made the error of focusing on the perceived problem rather than on God. It was a long hard lesson to learn but the lesson was and still is that we have times when we need to be alone with our thoughts and with our God.
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Because of how the Lord made me, I enjoy the silence of the early morning and the late evening. I am thankful that He led me through the times of solitude of my life—not lonely but alone. Please, don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my friendships with others and interacting with those with whom I work. But, I know there are those times when I need to do as Jesus did – get by myself, mull things over, and pray.
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Linking up with Dawn at beneaththesurface--
Unlike many writers, I'm an extrovert. Yet, I need to get by myself and re-charge otherwise I wear out.
ReplyDeleteWriters and artists seem to be introverts. Actors and singers, to me, seem to be extroverts. I'm glad God loves us all. He made us as we are.
DeleteThanks for visiting and for your thought. I,too, find the need to re-charge.
Hi Cecelia,
ReplyDeleteI agree that I need alone time often and here God best this way. I love the reminder that you share: Jesus obedience was used by God as part of His empowerment to face the biggest temptation...that is such a powerful reminder. God desires each of us to desire to be alone with Him...I think Christians who do not have this time of refreshment are malnourished and ineffective. Just my two cents. Thanks for sharing. In His Grace, Dawn
Dawn: Having time alone with God is vital to our spiritual growth. A friend of mine used to tell the story of having to go into the bathroom in order to get time with God. She had three small children and that was the only way she could find time to say quick prayers.
DeleteDear Quiet Spirit,
ReplyDeleteGreat journal notes! I feel the same as you.
I need and must have my quiet time daily,to be with God, to talk to Him, and sing praises to Him. Solitude is good.
GOD BLESS!
KC:
ReplyDeleteWhen I don't have my time with God, things seem to get stirred up. I get nothing done. I even find myself out of sorts with people. So, I find the practice of solitude necessary for me.