He is wherever we go
Where do you go to find quiet time–to pray or cry out to God? If you know me, or visit my blog regularly, you know my favorite places for escape, or to meet with God, are the beach or on a nature walk. My heavenly Father is there, walking with me on the beach, on my favorite nature trail, or when I’m hunched over the computer. He is wherever we go.
Finding a quiet place
Jesus understood the need to find a quiet place to pray and rest:*
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they didn’t even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:30-31 NIV)
At this stage in His ministry, people were following Jesus everywhere–seeking knowledge, healing, and peace. But the crowds and individuals constantly demanding His attention brought on physical exhaustion and mental fatigue. Both Jesus and His disciples needed a break.
We need breaks, too
About that question I asked you earlier . . . Where do you go for your quiet time?
In December, I escaped to the beach a few days to write, meditate, and pray. Most of the time the weather was sunny and beautiful. I enjoyed amazing sunrises and walks on the beach.
But one morning, the clouds were heavy and depressing. As I sat on the balcony bemoaning the clouds denying me my beach sunrise, a window opened in the bank of clouds and the sun’s rays streamed through (see the picture introducing the blog).
And then . . .
Within just a few minutes the window in the clouds opened further and more light flowed from the heavens to the ocean.
I stood in awe, watching His powerful light stream through the darkness. And I thought, “He is wherever we go.”
Our Lord is with us:
- When we’re frightened or alone
- In the darkest of trials
- When we feel we’re stuck in a rut
- In the quiet and in the storm
- When we don’t know what to do
- Wherever we go
Just as our Father was with Jesus when he sought a quiet place to pray, he is with us wherever we go. He is there–waiting for our prayers, questions, problems, praises, and whatever our needs.
Let’s be like Jesus–seek our quiet place with our Father.
Where’s your favorite place to spend time with your heavenly Father?
Is it different when you’re crying out for Him?
Here’s a link to a wonderful devotion by Pastor Chuck Swindoll, “A Quiet Place”
Jesus is our light in the darkness at all times and in all places.
Yes! We are so blessed. Hope you have a great week, Diana.
When the sun breaks through the clouds like that, my husband and I say, “Look, God’s talking to someone,” because that’s what TV shows (think “Little House on the Prairie”) used to do when a character was having a God moment.
I have a favorite indoor place to spend time with God, the dining table early morning, and a favorite outdoor place, the rural road where I take my walks and jogs.
I used to watch Little House of the Prairie, but I don’t remember seeing that about God moments, but I have seen other shows share similar moments. Thank you for sharing that thought, Priscilla. It reminds me of other nature events that connect me with our Father. My dining room and walks outside serve the same purpose for me. Peace and blessings!
Like you I meet God at the beach – especially a sunrise over the ocean. I watch the first ray of light and stay until a beautiful ball emerges illuminating the area. It’s God’s “Good morning” to me and one more example of His faithfulness.
Oh, yes, another beach sunrise girl! It’s just something so special about that moment that’s hard to explain–maybe the vastness of the ocean, and the quiet of the hour, the sudden burst of light to banish the darkness, and MORE! I feel His presence in those moments. Thank you for sharing your experience, Marilyn. Wishing you a blessed week.
I love how God provides places of quiet and peace for us to rest. I’m thankful for the light and love of Jesus. Walking on the beach and in my neighborhood offer times for sharing thoughts with God. Have a wonderful and blessed day! 🙂
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Melissa. I picture you walking, thinking, praying, and then sharing your beautiful smile with everyone you meet. Blessings!
I love the lessons we can learn just from the movement of the clouds. Your pictures are amazing, and they can show us how God is still there even when our situations are hidden by clouds of despair.
Yes, Barbara. He is with us through the storms, the darkness, the gloom of a cloudy day, and especially during the challenges, trials, and moments of despair. We are so blessed by His love and faithfulness.
Your opening reminded me of the old hymn, I come to the garden alone… I love the light that comes in these early spring/ end of winter mornings. They promise winter is passing. So I can relate to your joy at seeing the heavens open and let in light.
That’s one of my favorite hymns–we often feel alone, but He is always with us. Wishing you joy, Debbie, and a Happy Spring (almost here!)
Anywhere in nature is where I most easiest find rest in God. He speaks through nature!
It’s the same for me, Candyce. When I’m out in His creation, that’s when I feel closest to Him. Blessings!
I’ve often had to stop at Mark 6:30-31, and just consider how busy they were, and how Jesus knew when it was time to separate themselves for rest. Thanks for bringing it to my attention again with those reminders of His presence. That’s where we find true rest.
I’ve found that I tend to ignore the nudge I get when I need rest–I just push on through. I know that isn’t good for me. I need to be a better listener when God is sending me the “Slow down, rest, seek Me” message. You are right–we only find true rest with Him.
Thanks Katherine for this reminder that God is always with us no matter where we are or what we have going on. My quiet place with God is in my recliner where I can see all of God’s beautiful creations whether it be the beautiful spring flowers, or the sun rising!!!!!
You must have a lovely view! Thanks for sharing and may God continue to bless you as you serve Him. Wishing you peace and joy.
I like to escape to the mountains and I feel blessed to know God is with me everywhere I go. Thank you for such an encouraging messsge Katherine.
I went to college in the mountains of NC and I didn’t want to leave there, but God had other plans for me. As you remind us–He is with us. Wishing you blessings, joy, and peace.
It’s hard not to think if Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. There he prayed alone for strength to face what was about to come. When I’m faced with a battle, that’s the time I most feel the need to be alone with God. For me, this often means sitting on the patio, spending time in the garden, or going for a walk.