A solitary place

Mark 1:35

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

All of us have different habits in life. It is utterly inescapable. If I were to take a survey of all who read this, we would discover a diverse array of responses to the question of our waking habits. Some are up long before the sun appears over the horizon. Others, like the writer, would like to stay closer in synch with the sun’s habits. Others have difficulty winning the race with the sun. But whatever the waking habits may be, there are other habits that must be instilled in the Christian’s life. We see here that Jesus was a busy man. People who were diseased, possessed with devils, and leprous came to Him constantly, desiring to be recipients of His mighty healing power. He had little leisure time, if any, to even have something to eat. People bombarded and inundated Him daily and moment by moment. Therefore, with this rigorous schedule, Jesus had to rise “a great while before day,” and go out to a solitary place. It was necessary! It was for His own wellbeing! It was for His sanity!

Now, dear friends, although our lives could never mirror the life of the Son of God, we do know that we lead scheduled, busy days. From sun up to sun down, we are accomplishing tasks and corresponding with others. But wait! Hold on! Have you spoken to the Lord? You must get up earlier than your activities began to ensue, or you will never talk to your Lord. That is why Jesus had to get up a great while before day. You may not have to do that. But the principle evident here is, that before everything begins, find a place alone with the Lord—a solitary place.

A solitary place! Jesus found this place in the wilderness. Not a lot of people were in the wilderness. So He could have that space mostly to Himself, until they found out His whereabouts and came unto Him from every quarter. But He gave Himself enough time to be alone with His Father. Precious one, my dear brother or sister, you must get alone. It is necessary for your wellbeing. It is crucial for your spiritual health. It is of utmost importance if your spiritual life and your relationship with God the Father and Christ His Son is going to thrive. You cannot just take it or leave it, because nine times out of ten times, you will leave it. See the importance! Put it into practice! It will nourish you every day! Indeed, you shall be greatly uplifted, encouraged, and enlivened in the Lord if you will save for yourself even a little time to be alone with the Lord. Wherever that place is, find a solitary place, and there pray every morning to your Father which is in Heaven!

“Dear Lord, we praise You so much for the example set by Christ. It is impeccable. It is the picture and model of perfection. If we want to succeed and prosper in life, we must do it how He did it. And He found a solitary place in the morning to pray to His Father above. Therefore, may we follow this example with diligence. And the benefits that shall result from this practice shall be numerous and abounding. And we shall have spiritual life ebbing forth from us as we never have before. We commit this day to adjust our habits to fit this pattern. And we ask for Your help from this day forward. In Jesus’ wonderful name we pray, Amen.”