Hello Grace Family!
There comes a time when life is so noisy we need a quiet place. We need to take a step back away from all the demands on our time and just listen to our soul. And in doing that we also open space up for God to speak to us. The question becomes, do you have a quiet place. Somewhere you can go where you will not be interrupted, where the sounds around you are pleasing to your ears and there is a deep sense of peace. For me that place would be in a woods. I know what you are thinking, I live in Florida, on an island, we have beaches and palm trees. I know. I know.
But I do have a quiet place. It is one I have created. It is in a corner of my living room, where I can go and find peace, and where I am surrounded by things I love and that bring me joy. It is my alternative to being in a woods. It is there, in my room, I can pray, read scripture, do my devotions, I can feel God’s comforting peace deep in my soul. When I don’t go there, throughout the day, I feel something is definitely missing.
Jesus modeled time apart from the hustle and bustle of busyness. We see throughout his ministry that he was always going off to a quiet place. A place where he could talk to God and be refreshed and ready for the onslaught of the next day. And as we read through scripture, we can clearly see Jesus was kept very busy. People thronged to him. They pressed him in on all sides. They wanted to hear him preach, to see him heal those who were sick, they wanted healing for themselves. Jesus was in high demand. Jesus needed a quiet place. We all do.
This week I will be preaching on Mark 1:35. It is just one verse, but it teaches a valuable lesson. Join us this Sunday as we learn the value of a quiet place.
Don’t forget, tomorrow is Country Store. Come out and help us help our community members as they shop for personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies. Items they can’t get with food stamps.
Peace,
Pastor Beth