Pulling away…

Pulling away is good; it can be a remedy of weariness, confusion, listlessness and even dryness. Many of us at one time or the other might find ourselves in such state; unfortunately, we do not apply the right remedy. We talk to our friends about our concerns; we read books to see how others dealt with similar situations; at times we attend conferences to get a better understanding. And if we are not satisfied, we attend every spiritual meeting taking place.

The concerns in our lives might be easier dealt with than we had initially thought. In Mark 1:35 Jesus employed a practice that I find so fascinating. He had being trawled in the preceding verses by those who were sick and needed healing. The Bible says in v32-34 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

Jesus had had a busy day. He was spent! And so it was only natural for Him to recharge His batteries; sleep, yes. But natural sleep can never be enough. And if all you are getting is natural sleep, then your tank is only a third full. You need to top up today. How did Jesus top up? He pulled away. He pulled away from the noise, the action, and the people – and went to a solitary place. Many of us feel bad or inhospitable if we have to pull away; and so we stay connected though dry and in desperate need for refueling. I want to challenge that thinking, and encourage you to find freedom in doing the right thing for you. Yes, it is nice and good to be the answer to others needs, but when that is infringing on your need, you need to pay attention.
You need to pull away. When you are thirsty, do you stop to get a glass of water? If so, then get a spiritual glass of water now. Don’t be locked in, or trapped in. Be like Jesus. He broke out of the busy; the pressing; the demands of others – and broke free to be with God. Mark 1:35-37 says: very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

Jesus knew what He needed, and He took the necessary steps to get what He needed. He needed time with His Father. We also need a solitary place and a solitary time; we need a quiet time with God. And yes, here was Peter again, disturbing that moment; challenging Jesus that people needed Him. Peter could not see that Jesus needed that time. He could not see that Jesus craved to be with the Father; He could not see that Jesus was refueling. He could not see that Jesus was eating and drinking and engaged with God almighty. And I believe that many can’t see the need today either.

You must be firm about your time with your friends, family and those close to you. Yes, though they might mean well, it is still not okay to let go of your quiet time. Be selfish with your quiet time. Don’t give it up so easily and freely; such that you become dry and disheveled.

Linda Faith
Linda faith is the Editor in Chief of Jewels Magazine. She has authored eight books. She is a prolific writer and powerful speaker, inspiring many women to be all God has called them to be. She is the founder of Joy Women’s conference which reaches out to empower, inspire and motivate women in their faith walk. She was a software developer before she started writing.
Help us reach many more. Donate to Jewels today. Click here: Give to Jewels