Go to the Mountain

While reading scriptures, they tell us Jesus went 'out' to pray. Sometimes that means he separated Himself from others, the crowds, to be alone. Other times it tells us He went up into the mountains, to be alone. 

Luke 6:12
One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.

Matt 14:23
After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.

Time and time again, we get so caught up in the day of 'things to do' we forget to get to pray. Jesus realized He needed to get alone to have time with the Father. We need to remember that as well, when the 'crowds' of family and friends have filled our day, to get alone with the Father. 

We need this time to keep our sanity, to fill our spirit with that of the Lord's, to be able to love one another, forgive and delight in the time we are together. Admit it, families and friends come together at the holiday celebrations, usually with stress. Food preparation, gifts, even what to wear can be challenging. The holidays, or any time with the 'crowds,' should be time of enjoyment and laughter. But, because of the pressure of everything being just right, we let it turn into a time that everyone is usually glad when it is over!

If more of us would take the time to 'go to the mountain' to be alone with God, like Jesus did, we would be more likely able to endure the crowds. Our bodies get physically exhausted due to the demands others seemingly put on us, why do we let our spiritual life get drained as well? 

Look to the upcoming days, the joy of the season, with a different perspective this year. Start the days off by setting time aside everyday alone with God...'go to the mountain'...to talk with Him. My mountain is on my back porch in the summer, but in the winter, it is usually by the fireplace. It doesn't matter where your mountain is, just as long as you have a place to be alone with Him. 

You will find peace and comfort in Him and it will make those 'crowds' a lot easier to deal with during the festivities of the season. It will let you see Jesus in the midst, after all the celebrations are for Him anyway, isn't it? 

Where is your mountain? If you don't have a place to go to Him, find it today, declare your mountain. 

Blessings,
gs