Slip Away With Jesus

Today's Word of Encouragement from Wayne:

"The news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray"

Luke 4:15-16

There’s a time to be with the crowds and stay. There’s a time to be alone and "slip away." And there’s a time to be with God and "pray." This is the holy balance of our lives, where life in this world, service to God, solitude, fellowship in His presence, and the abundant life intersect. Jesus always knew what to do and when to do it. How? By being in constant fellowship with His Abba Father. You and I have this same fellowship available to us 24/7. As we live in fellowship with our Lord, let us trust in His wisdom, word, and leading for our lives.

It is important for us to know that God does not want to unmercifully drive us into the ground with all work and no rest. No. We must take this insight from Jesus Himself; to live, not according to the pressures and desires of the crowd around us, but rather to live according to the presence and desire of our Abba Father for us. God is first. Let us learn to "often slip away," with joy, from the tumult of this world into the presence of our Lord, Who always restores and renews us when we draw near to Him.

Jesus knew that His interaction with the crowds could wait but His time with Abba Father must continue. He had the balance. We have the balance, too, because Christ is in us right now. Look to Jesus today and let Him lovingly balance your life. Hallelujah!