Last week, my husband and I redeemed some hotel points and flyer miles to steal away for a rare treat. Leaving behind a NJ ice storm, we enjoyed a few days in beautiful Cancun, Mexico. It was incredible in many unexpected ways, both large and small. From upgraded plane seats to hotel rooms to other unpaid benefits, we walked (or floated) along in God’s favor.
While we have no idea why God chose to bless us in this way at this time, we spent every minute in deep appreciation for our Lord, enjoying both His creation and His presence, seeing Him work in our lives and speak to our hearts in new and fresh ways. For example:
When we opened the glass doors of our spacious “honeymoon suite” (yup, we were honeymooners after 28½ years of marriage!) to the ocean-front balcony, the roar of the surf, one of my favorite sounds on earth, instantly brought a huge smile to my face.
Yet later, when we sat at the water’s edge at the beach or by the pool, right next to the ocean, it wasn’t nearly as loud. The sounds of the surf seemed more like background “white noise.”
The difference: the competing sounds were louder too. With guests engaged in conversation, workers serving and building, birds calling to each other, and vendors hawking their wares, all the noises blended into one, including the ocean.
But when we were up several stories, away from the distractions, we could hear the sound of the surf distinctly.
It’s like that with the Lord.
When we are caught up in our busy lives, the gentle whisper of the Lord is drowned out. He and His voice haven’t changed. What changed is us – our position, our engagement with other activities, our distractions.
Martha was distracted with much serving. …
But the Lord answered her,“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things..
But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Susanna Wesley is known as the mother of John and Charles, who were powerful men of God, a preacher and a hymnwriter. Susanna had 19 children, only 10 of whom lived to adulthood. She experienced many difficulties in her life, but she was committed to prayer. Without much time to herself, she would bury her head in her apron, and her children knew not to disturb her – it was her prayer time, her time to be free of distraction.
We each need to find our own apron, our own “war room,” our own upper room (aka “honeymoon suite”) to escape the competing noise so that we can clearly hear His voice.
He said to them, “Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31
What is your best way to eliminate the distractions and “come away” into quiet time with the Lord?
Susan: I find my best time for prayer is in the morning. My husband doesn’t sleep well at night, so he sleeps when he can in the mornings. The house is quiet; I find it relaxing and can spend time reading my devotional books and praying.