Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Matthew 14:22-23

Where is your “mountain”?  Throughout the gospels, Jesus withdraws from the crowds and the disciples to pray, and He often goes up a mountain.

Have you ever prayed up a mountain?  There is something truly majestic, as you physically and mentally remove yourself from the trappings of the world.  They you gaze around and see so much of the beauty of the earth.

Perhaps your space is by water – the ocean or a lake – and the rhythm of the water flow becomes the rhythm of your breath.

For some it is in the woods, hearing each footstep on the fallen leaves and branches as you find a quiet spot.

We cannot always retreat up a mountain or any other place, but it is important to find ways to get away from the noise of life so we can spend the time with God. 

As you travel through this week, find a “mountain”, even if it is just a quiet corner in your home.  Spend some extra time with God, away from the news, away from the noise, away from all that distracts you.  You might just find yourself able to face whatever this week brings – and you face it with God.

Peace,

Pastor Bill