After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Matthew 14:23 

Are you a night owl or an early bird? Or maybe your preferences fall somewhere in between. In the middle of raising children and all the other activities of life, it is almost guaranteed that finding time for silence and solitude will be a challenge. Some people thrive in the wee hours before the rest of the house is awake. Others need the house to fall asleep before they can find time alone. Jesus made it a special priority to meet with his Father as often as possible. The Bible does not say it was consistent, whether early or late or right after lunch. But it is clear that every chance he got, Jesus spent time alone with his Father. Their relationship was not just top priority but essential. You will thrive best when your alone time with the Lord is essential too. He wants to spend time with you and waits for you in loving anticipation. 

As moms, finding “me time” can feel self-indulgent. But making alone time with God a priority is never selfish. You truly need it! As busy as Jesus was during his years of ministry, he still “often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer” (Luke 5:16). Sometimes it was before daybreak (Mark 1:35). Other times it was in the evening (Matthew 14:23). Sometimes it was an overnight stay on a mountain (Luke 6:12)! Does that seem like a pipe dream to you? Maybe it does, and for this season, that’s okay. But maybe you sense a new season unfolding. So examine what’s filling your time, prioritize what’s essential, and prune back what’s nonessential. Make room for the relationship that matters most. God is waiting, and it’s best not to keep him. 

When you purposefully make time and space for him, God promises to show up. 

 

This month, we are sharing devotions – like this one – from the Daily Devotional Bible for Moms! Pick up your copy today at dayspring.com.