Today’s Bible reading is Joshua 2 and Matthew 14.
Immediately [Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone… (Matt 14:22-23)
Alone. By yourself. Some of us have hours, even days when we are alone during a typical week. For others, alone-time can be measured only in minutes or moments. Whatever your circumstance, here’s a question worth thinking about: how will my “by myself” moments be spent this week?
Facebook? Twitter? Instagram? YouTube? Netflix? Cable? Scanning the news? Video games? Reading a book? Making a shopping list? Planning for 2019? Daydreaming? Sleeping?
There’s obviously nothing inherently wrong with spending time by yourself in any of those things. But take a moment to think about what Jesus did in Matthew 14. He intentionally created some distance and maximized the solitude so that he could pray.
How will your “by myself” moments be spent this week? If greater maturity, stronger faith, deeper resolve, and real joy are the goal, can’t we do better than unlocking our phones or turning on televisions during every idle moment?
When evening came, Jesus was alone, but not really. He had spent deliberate, focused, quiet time with his Father. How could following his example lead you into closer fellowship with your Father this week?