Outside In Lonely Places
"Jesus... stayed outside in lonely places." [Mark 1:45]
In Luke 5:16 it tells us that "Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." In the New International Reader's Version Isaiah 53:3 says, "He knew all about sorrow and suffering."
Sorrow is all around me - two weeks ago my dad passed away; six days ago my 15-year-old neighbour died suddenly in a skateboarding accident; yesterday "Gramma Gray" went home to be with the Lord at the age of 105.
Today? I couldn't get out of bed. That hasn't happened to me in a very long time. I feel numb and don't know what to do.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
~ Jesus [Matthew 11:28-30 | The Message]
Once I finally dragged myself out of bed I went outside to a lonely place. There is something about retreating from the world and its callings that brings peace in the midst of confusion and sorrow. And to know that Jesus did this often helps a lot. Because He knows how it feels. He experienced what I'm experiencing. And His simple response to me is to stay in His presence and find rest there [Exodus 33:14].
Sometimes I feel like cryin'
Sometimes I feel like dyin'
Life seems so complicated
Sometimes I don't even know if I'll make it
But then I hear a voice within me sayin'...
I am your strength, I am your strength
Come to me and rest
I am your strength, I am your strength
Lay your head down and rest
~ Kelly Willard
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on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at 3:00 PM.
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2:36 PMGood word! I feel a lot like that these days! Thank God for His Presence!
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