It never ceases to amaze me how busy we can get working for God ,yet not have time to spend with him. That has been the case for the past several weeks for me. I have spent time preparing lessons, writing a wedding ceremony, counseling and praying with hurting people, preparing devotionals, participating in VBS and District Camp, doing sermon prep, and even reading some wonderful works by learned Christian authors. However, I found myself running on empty. The time I was spending with God, was for God's kingdom. It wasn't time for just us. It was me and Him, and the children I would be teaching, and those I was sharing the devotional with, the hurting people who ask for prayer, and the beloved congregation I will be sharing with the next few weeks. Sure, I've spent plenty of time with him recently, but not time alone with him. I've had my Bible open every day, but it wasn't open for the specific purpose of filling me up. It was used to fill others up. Now I fully realize that what I am doing for God's kingdom is of great value, but the truth is I cannot give him my best if I am not taking care of myself both physically and spiritually. I want to be able to give my best. I have discovered over the past few years how easy it is for a pastor to spend tons of time in the word and in prayer, but still not be fed. It is true. It can happen. I equate this with being at a banquet where there is every food imaginable, but not being able to find anything to eat! There is no shortage of food. I have only to fill my plate. The same goes with God. I need only fill my plate. If my plate/life is empty it is because I have failed to fill it with what I need or I have been filling it on fast food....short stops to grab a snack to go. I may even find myself filling up, but not on what I need, but what my ministry needs. I need to have a well balanced plate.
(Right about now you are probably wondering what kind of pastor am I to admit such a thing. All I can say is truthful. It's the honest truth. This can happen to pastors. It can happen to anyone who daily gives of his/her life to the Lord. It is a fine line to walk being with God and truly being with God.)
Naturally, there are seasons in life that are busier than others and there are times in the life of a pastor when ministry doesn't happen in nice, neat scheduled boxes. For me time alone with God is a scheduled priority, but that doesn't stop the unexpected early morning phone call from someone in need, that leaks into your time alone with God, then makes you late arriving in the office. Life happens and for the laborer in Christ. Life is ministry.
With all of that being said we need to constantly remind ourselves of the importance of being with God. We should not be in a hurry with God, but taking time to truly bask in his presence. You don't even have to say anything.....just be. Take a breather, be a human being, not a human doing. It's okay to just be before your God. Ask him to fill you with his peace, love and wisdom. Fill your heart and mind with his Holy word. Sing a song of praise to him. Write him a letter or poem in your journal. Ponder the many blessings he has given you in your life. Take your time. Connect with your Creator. He misses you. He loves you. He hasn't gone anywhere. He's waiting for you.
Mark 1:35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Follow his example. Make that time for just you and your Heavenly Father.
It makes all the difference! There is no need to starve at the banquet of God's love!
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