|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "There Were Ninety And Nine"1 (Lyrics) |
Psalm 55:7 – I would flee far away and stay in the desert. (NIV)
Like most people, there are some days when I would like to run away from all of my responsibilities, travel somewhere remote, and just be all by myself. I sometimes daydream about getting in my car, driving as far west as I possibly can until I reach the ocean, and then just sit on the beach to watch the sun going down over the Pacific horizon. I'm certain that everyone has days just like this, when the impulse to "get away from it all" occurs. I also believe that the writer of Psalm 55 experienced something similar.
We all go through stressful times and bad moments in our lives. It's part of our human experience. Most of the time, the majority of us resist those impulses to run away, simply because our common sense — as well as our devotion to others — overrides our desire to escape.
As we travel through the forty days of Lent, I'm reminded that the origins of this season are rooted in Christ's wilderness experience, when He was whisked away by the Holy Spirit to a solitary place, free from any distractions, and unburdened by any responsibilities. He was not there, though, to get away from it all. Jesus was in the wilderness to be severely tested and tried. Thankfully, He overcame His time of trial and then began His ministry of redemption, reconciliation, and restoration for humankind.
Running away from our responsibilities does not change anything. Turning to Jesus with our burdens, however, can change everything. He understands our isolation and vulnerability. He knows what it's like to be stressed out and under pressure. This is why Jesus gently speaks to us across the centuries with His own comforting words:
Matthew 11:28 – Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (NIV)
Questions for personal reflection: What is currently stressing me out? How can Jesus help me?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know us completely and understand everything that is going on in our lives. You know the isolation that we feel, the fears that we have, and the burdens that we carry. Help us to turn to You, to receive Your loving embrace and perfect assurance. Be with us all today. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Been there, done that, John. Good devotion.
Thank you for the timely reminder that Jesus knows what it’s like to be in the wilderness. I an grateful for your words today.
How wonderfully you put into simple words the way we feel, but can’t quite figure it out. What a comfort it is to have someone else say the words for us. Thank you so much.
The great Escape
Lovely teaching. good insight.
Thanks.
Hi John
I am certain we all have experienced your thought for today! But praise be to God for giving us the Holy Spirit to lean upon. God bless.
Dear John,
Thank you for your devotion today. It is helpful to hear when stressed as we are often with challenges.
I found it comforting.
What a great message of assurance to those who feel weary and burdened – How blessed we are we have a best friend in the creator of the universe who loves and whose promise that, He will never leave nor forsake us is valid 24/7. I guess we all have days when we would like to be quietly alone, yet even then we can take Christ along with us because He is never noisy or disruptive and will patiently wait for us to open our hearts doors and lay all our burdens at His feet when we feel the time is right. No hurry or worry.
A great, great spring message.
Thank you for today’s devotional. I well know that feeling of being in the wilderness and also the feeling that you talk about wanting to just go somewhere & be totally by yourself. However at my age I must use that common sense you refer to, otherwise my family would be locking me up somewhere if I suddenly disappeared for a day. It is difficult for me to get quiet time, no matter where I am because of my problem, but I do what I can to cope, using music, reading & whatever distraction I can to achieve as much quietness as possible. It is comforting to know we are not alone in our battles, that the Lord is always with us.
(BC)
Amen to your prayer.