What steps can we take to create time for spiritual reflection like Jesus? Seeing How Jesus Carved Out Space John 8:1 says, “But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.” One brief sentence, yet it reveals a deliberate pause in the Lord’s busy ministry. He stepped away from crowds, controversy, and noise to be alone with the Father. Step 1: Prioritize Retreat • Decide that time with God is non-negotiable, just as necessary as eating or sleeping. • Schedule it first, not after everything else. If the calendar fills up, let lesser things give way. • Mark 1:35: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up…” Step 2: Embrace Early Mornings • Dawn offers quiet before the demands of the day land. • Rising even fifteen minutes earlier provides space for Scripture and prayer. • Psalm 5:3 reminds us the Lord hears our voice “in the morning.” Step 3: Limit Distractions • Silence phones, step away from screens, and close doors. • Ask family members for a short window of uninterrupted time; communicate its importance. • Luke 5:16: “Yet He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray.” Step 4: Establish a Sacred Place • Jesus chose the Mount of Olives; designate your own spot—chair, corner, porch—associated with meeting God. • Keep a Bible, journal, and pen there so nothing delays you. Step 5: Integrate Scripture Meditation • Read slowly, aloud if possible, savoring each verse. • Repeat key phrases; ask, “What does this reveal about God?” • Psalm 1:2 portrays the blessed person whose “delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His Law he meditates day and night.” Step 6: Guard the Sabbath Rhythm • A weekly 24-hour pause echoes God’s design. • Use part of that day for extended reflection, worship, and gratitude. • Exodus 20:8: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Step 7: Share the Experience • Talk with a trusted friend or family member about what God shows you. • Accountability encourages consistency and deepens insights. • Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another.” Living It Out Set a reminder right now for tomorrow’s meeting with the Lord. Choose a passage—perhaps start with John 8 itself—and imitate Jesus by stepping away to the “Mount” He provides you today. |
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