Each Hour with God

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” -Matthew 7:7 

Recently, I finished reading the book Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer that investigates the spiritual result of Christ-like rest. By removing distractions such as excessive social media and replacing that time with prayer and reflection, there is deeper, slower and more fulfilling time to be had with God.

Like many of my peers, I relate to the busyness Comer describes. I often feel rushed—rushed to get homework done, rushed from one event to the next. Before I know it, I go to sleep exhausted, sometimes thinking about Jesus only once or twice a day! I am left with a desperate wonder: do I really have enough time to develop a relationship with Him?

Jesus supremely valued His alone time with God. Even after preaching until very late the previous night, Christ made time to be with God: “Rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He departed and went out to a desolate place, and there He prayed” (Mark 1:35). As Christ’s disciples we are called to do the same—to “come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31).

The rest God calls us to, however, is not isolation, but simply to make the daily choice to be alone with God. When isolated, Satan is quick to lead us astray. However, when you set aside time alone to pursue Christ’s presence, you are not isolated, but united in the Spirit, who gives life and peace.

Heavenly Father, we pray that we will have a heart ready to listen to Your calling by making the time to talk to You. By fostering a relationship with You, please grant us godly wisdom that comes only from furthering our understanding of Your goodness. Amen.