Even during this time of a pandemic, it is necessary and good for us to getaway every now and then. A getaway presents opportunities for us to clear our heads and hearts so that we might prepare ourselves for what God has in store for us. A getaway will reenergize and refresh us to the point that new ideas become exciting. The end result of your getaway may be that you realize you need to do it more often because of how good you feel afterwards.    

There are times we need to find a getaway from our spouses, children, dogs, cats, friends, colleagues, etc. and spend time with God all by ourself. It is amazing what God will reveal to us when we are in communion with Him and Him alone. Find a place that is almost silent or so quiet that you can almost hear your own thoughts. At first you may even feel uncomfortable being all alone, but when that happens you know that you need that time to yourself and you are in the correct space. It does not mean that you are having marital problems, pet problems, friendship problems, family problems, etc., but if you are, you may figure out how to fix the problem with God’s help. Time alone just provides an opportunity for us to take a survey of ourself and to take a snapshot of what really matters in life. It sets the tone of figuring out what your priorities and needs are in this time of so much uncertainty. At the conclusion of your time alone, you may realize you can think for yourself and resolve issues, with the help of God, once you have turned them over to the Master.

Sometimes we get so busy with our spouses, grandchildren, children, friends, family, associates, pets, etc. that we barely have time or take time for ourselves and God. We become so accustom and reliant on the telephone and computers that we find ourselves engaged with others and little time for self. Even the hustle and bustle of the day can stress and tire us out and we don’t even realize it. We also become so accustomed to the noise, music, traffic, phones that we can’t appreciate the reward of our serenity.          

Being alone also provides time for us to take a real good look at ourselves rather than others. We should ask questions, “Am I concerned about the well-being of others or just myself? Do I get all tangled up in other people’s affairs when I shouldn’t? Am I big headed or an egotistical being? Do I find myself meddling in matters that I should not be involved?  Can I reduce myself to the simple things of life rather than always thinking big? Am I really the person I want others to believe I am?” “Am I a genuine Christian?”

When we look at the ministry of Jesus, He even found time for a getaway from the crowds and even from his disciples. He and his disciples were constantly healing, feeding, comforting, preaching and providing to the point that they needed a quiet time and space. Jesus needed that time to be alone with His Father so that He might accomplish the mission given unto him. We too need that time alone with Him so that we might receive power, direction and guidance. There are things God wants us to do, but we cannot do them without his intervention because we do not have the strength or brain power to do them alone.

Some of the reasons we should find time to be in solitude with God are for the following reasons: (1) Working through our grief, (2) Re-energizing ourself, (3) Working through tough times, (4) Making wise decisions, (5) Reflecting on our blessings, (6) Praying and (7) Depending on him rather than friends. 

Mark 1: 35 shares with us a time that Jesus went into a space of solitude to pray. “And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there He prayed.” Even Jesus needed time to be alone with the
Father.”  

Take it from me, a getaway is good for the soul. It does not require expenses or a lot of planning. It can be as simple as spending time walking along the banks of a river or ocean, wooded area, siting under a tree, on your deck, etc.

Not a sermon, just my thoughts!

Robert Earl Slade, Pastor