Grace for Movement | The Secret Place

Grace for Movement | The Secret Place


Scripture:
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 replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So, he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Mark 1:35-38


Reflection:

Jesus was intentional to go to a solitary place to pray. No people. No distractions. Quiet. The secret place; just Jesus and His Father. Meeting with His Father was part of His lifestyle. Jesus had an active life caring for people, making disciples, teaching, healing the sick, and casting out demons, but meeting with His heavenly Father was a priority. He came to earth to do the Father’s will. He made decisions and was motivated by the Father’s will. Jesus is our example.

When we strive and move according to our will, effort and strength, we can easily get discouraged or even burnout. But when we are moving according to God’s will and empowered by His Spirit, we have peace, confidence and grace to move.
 
Jesus came to do the will of His Father, according to His plan, not to be swayed by people or circumstances. He listened to His Father and moved in the direction He was moving. When we lean on our own understanding instead of taking time to listen to the Spirit, we can end up moving but in the wrong direction.

The most important movement we can prioritize is the inward movement that comes from our relationship with God. Drawing close to Him in solitude. The secret place, just you and Him. In prayer, in worship, listening, reading His Word, loving Him, hearing His voice, giving Him your cares and resting in Him. Jesus said He could do nothing on His own (John 5:30) and in the same way apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5) We are all in different life seasons, so our time with the Lord will look different. Don’t compare. The important thing is to make time whatever that looks like. If Jesus needed regular alone time with His Father in the secret place, how much more do we.


Reflection Questions:

• Is meeting with the Lord a priority and lifestyle?
• Do you have a regular time and place to pray?
• How do you draw close to the Lord?

Scripture Reference:
Mark 1:35-38