Even as Christians, there’s often something missing—a hunger that can’t be met by casual church involvement and a prayer life that lasts only minutes a day. While God rewards every second of time that we spend with Him, He desires—and He made us to desire—a closer, more intimate relationship with Him. Hear the words of Jesus:
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” (John 15:4)
There’s no substitute for knowing our Father and His Son, and so there’s no substitute for spending time in His presence. Jesus actually said that doing this is eternal life (John 17:3)!
The Lord also promised to give us abundant life (John 10:10), and commanded us to abide in Him in order to bear fruit (John 15:5), yet many of us question what that is and what it looks like.
Our culture knows little about abiding. In our distracted world, with constant demands on our time—thanks to buzzing phones, pop-up messages, and constant chatter—it can be hard to pull away.
“Come Away with Me”
As opposed to this, a growing intimate life with God is both counter-cultural and deeply satisfying. There’s something about coming away and spending a season of time learning a new rhythm of life that can yield lasting benefits—fruit that will remain, both internally and externally, as well as eternally.
Oftentimes, when we leave our routines and daily distractions, life comes into focus. We see what’s really important, what we can and can’t live without, and find the time to do the one thing Jesus said was necessary—sitting at His feet to hear His Word.
And [Martha] had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving . . . And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried 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.” (Luke 10:39–42)
This type of intimacy doesn’t happen by chance. It’s a deliberate choice, a consecration, a decision to set apart time and energy for a special purpose.
Consecrate a Season
At marriage, couples typically go on a honeymoon, a romantic time to be with each other and cement their relationship. It’s a sacred time, best left undistracted by other people and concerns.
Some of us need to have that sort of undistracted time with the Lord. Our God Himself desires that we would be with Him as He fulfills our heart’s desires (Psalm 37:4). He’s willing to open doors no man can shut to make this possible.
Sometimes we have a calling in God, or need breakthrough in a certain area, or just hunger to get out of our current routine in the spiritual and natural. These can all be good reasons to consider taking time to be devoted more exclusively to seeking the Lord. It might involve moving physically to train with a ministry that is pursuing Jesus in this way, and to learn from those who have gone before on this path.
Take time to listen to the Lord, and step out boldly when He calls. Our God promises: “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
How would you benefit from a special season of seeking the Lord?
