If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ---Jn 15:7
Be still and know that I am God. ---Ps 46:10
I. Understanding Time Alone With God
Gen 3 recorded the first pair of humans spending time alone with God: God enjoyed daily strolls with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
Time Alone with God: time set aside daily to connect with God through worship, Bible reading, meditations and prayer.
II. The Importance of Time Alone With God
A. We Are Created For Fellowship With God
Then God said, "Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness..." ---Gen 1:26
I was made to praise You
I was made to glorify Your Name
In every circumstance to find
A chance to thank You
I was made to love You
I was made to worship at Your feet
And to obey You Lord
I was made for You ---I Was Made To Praise You, Lamar Boschman, Integrity's Hosanna! Music
B. Jesus Spent Time Alone With God
Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. ---Lk 5:16
And in the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and prayed there for a time. ---Mk 1:35
As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. ---Mt 14:13
C. We Are Empowered To Do What God Desires To Do With Us
32 They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go and pray.” 33 He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. 34 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 35 He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. 36 “Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” ---Mk 14:32-36
III. Benefits of Time Alone With God
A. Gain Physical and Spiritual Rejuvenation
Tho who wait on the LORD will obtain renewed strength; they will soar on the wings of the eagle; they will run and not be weary; and they will walk and not grow weak. ---Isa 40:31
B. Gain Wisdom and Insights
The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. ---Acts 4:13
Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your laws. ---Ps 119:99
C. More Christ-like and Know God's Will
For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ---Heb 4:12
Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. ---Rom 12;2
D. Prepare Us For Life's Challenges
24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. ---Mt 7:24-27
IV. Our Attitude Towards Time Alone With God
1. Joy Rather Than Chore
2. Take Time Rather Than Push Through
3. Focused and Not Be Distracted
Father God is patiently and eagerly waiting for your time alone with Him.
Reflection
1. Have you been drained out from other pursuits in life that you choose not to spend time alone with God?
2. Do you do it to assuage the occasional rising guilt or as a mechanical ritual?
3. Do you often find yourself distracted and rushed through your time with God because something or someone is vying for your attention?
