November Quiet

As I sit here on this cloudy, November day, I relish the quiet. Don’t get me wrong, I love people, and I love being with people, whether at work, or at church, or at home; but I do crave alone time. Getting away from the hustle and bustle can be refreshing beyond words.

I realize that too much alone time can be detrimental; however, I think Jesus set the best example as He often got away by himself to pray and refresh.

   “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.”

Luke 5:16 (NLT)

Throughout the gospels, we see that Jesus was definitely a people person in that He spent much quality time with people. Even directly before this verse in Luke 5, verse 15, we see that “…vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases.” Ultimately, that is why He came…for people—us.

Lately, it seems, I have come to a deeper realization of the value of being with fellow Christians on a regular basis. We may not agree on every minor detail, but most of the time, that is just what it is— minor. The time spent together should be a time of encouragement and uplift along our Christian journey.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)

When we as Christians spend time together, I think the result is that we keep each other focused on important truths. It can be easy to get distracted by our problems, and even by our blessings. When we come together for the sake of Christ, we are more likely to remain better focused and sharper…less dulled by life.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not bashing this world; I am, however, pointing out that, I do believe now more than ever, there are many alternatives to church and Christian fellowship to distract us— blessings included. In other words, sometimes the good in this life can become a focus that can distract and dull us before we even realize what is beginning to happen.

Now, let’s look at the two previous verses together in full…

“But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.”

Luke 5:15-16 (NLT)

We know that Jesus spent a great deal of time with people, teaching and healing; but we also see here in the New Living Translation that he often withdrew himself.

“Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for him, and when they finally found him, they begged him not to leave them. But he replied, ‘I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.”

     Luke 4:42-43 (NLT)

Here is the tricky part…finding the right balance and knowing when to say, “No.” I think, too often, in the church world, we feel that we have to say yes to everything that is presented to us, especially if it is presented from the pulpit or from another brother or sister in Christ. Otherwise, we feel guilty.

I do feel somewhat burdened for others who may have felt what I have, at times, over the years…which is great deal of pressure by others (and myself) to do more—and more, often being left feeling like what I was doing was never enough. We see this in society in general…women, especially, who are trying to be “Super Mom” and do it all…be a mom, have a career, have parties, be at all the events, etc. Please, don’t think I am trying to make you feel guilty if you fall into that category! I feel your pain in the sense that, I have pushed myself hard at times (and in my case) to gain recognition that I am quite sure wasn’t mine to gain…leaving me exhausted.

In relating back to a personal experience of my own, even at a young and more immature state (not that I have arrived by any means!), I felt very strongly at the time that I needed to stay home with my kids rather than hold down a job outside the home. I remember sometimes wanting to have a position/ministry at church; but I, also, remember feeling that being a Stay-At-Home-Mom was simply not enough—I needed to have a ministry in the church. Wasn’t being a fulltime Mom, spending time teaching my kids, and trying to be a Godly example to my kids a ministry– hence, enough? God confirmed to me that it was. Man did not always.

In the previous last two verses, we see that Jesus declined the people’s pleadings. It appears that they didn’t simply ask Him to stay—they begged Him. It is hard enough to say no to someone who asks us to do something with them, be a part of a (yet another) group/team, help them, etc., but it is especially hard when they beg. And sometimes, it is as simple as someone trying to talk you into eating something that you don’t want to eat. Trust me, I know…I have been a “people pleaser” for much of my life. It is often easier to give in than to feel like you have to practically stand up and fight to say no! It took me a long time to come to the place that I was ok with my decision even if someone would be disappointed. It is difficult to let people down. What we have to keep in mind is that, letting someone down who has placed high expectations on us is not the same as letting God down.

Sometimes, the good that we are doing is not always what is best.[1] And often, the pressure comes from those with the best intentions—yet, they don’t always know what is best for you—or for you to be doing. I have had to step back from trying to be overinvolved (and sometimes with prideful motivations– at least in part, that I truly wanted to deny) and “allow space” (as my pastor says)…space to step back and allow myself the freedom to better hear from The Holy Spirit what to say yes to; where He leads me—and, often, I find that is into the quiet spaces of my home…as is the case today, sharing my heart with you.

When we truly look at The Word of God, Jesus set a great example…He was busy about the Father’s business, yet he had down time—time alone with the Father. He went to parties, yet He also declined requests.

I have found that the key is living daily with the purpose of representing Christ no matter what we are doing—even if that appears small in the eyes of man.

As this November quiet slips us into the holiday season, I encourage you to…

• Fellowship—for sure (but not continually).
• Know it’s ok to decline fellowship at times (as Jesus did).
• Allow The Holy Spirit to lead (trust Him in that).
• Embrace pleasing God over pleasing man (seek wisdom in understanding the difference).
• Represent Christ (that others may know Him).
• Rest and refresh.

• Love always.
• Give thanks.
• Celebrate quiet time.

 

“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”

Colossians 3:15-17 (NLT)

[1] I once heard a sermon (don’t remember who or where) that talked about, “Good; Better; and Best.”