Alone time...
By Bobby Schuller, Hour of Power Pastor
"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus withdrew to a solitary place to be alone with God and pray. ''
-Mark 1: 35
Every Sunday, I leave my house very early in the morning, before the sun even rises, and I walk through my favorite canyon to pray and prepare my soul so that I will preach and minister from a God-centered place.
As I began my walk on a recent Sunday morning, I was amazed at how cold it was. As I walked through the ravine by the water, I was wearing a shirt, sweater, and long pants, yet still felt cold on this late summer morning. I had read how it was going to be almost a hundred degrees that day, but a cooling marine layer was coming in. I could hardly believe on that cold morning that eventually, in that same day, it would become so warm.
That's how it is in the midst of a dark night of the soul. When your heart has gone cold from loss or hurt, it's hard to believe that eventually your heart will be warmed by God's love and your suffering will cease. When you're in the midst of a dark time, alone, it just feels that this reality will continue forever.
Remember: The night is always coldest and darkest at the very end. Then soon, over the horizon, you a purple then orange glow will appear as the warming sun begins to rise. Keep hope that, in the dark night, God is developing something in you and preparing you for a new reality, a new purpose, maybe even a huge new calling in life. So, don't give up.
Prayer: Dear Lord, even when my heart grows cold because life, loss, and grief have overtaken me, help me to draw near to the warmth of your love. Help me to know that your healing grace will bring me out of the dark and into a bright new day and exciting new future that you have prepared for me. Amen.
Reflection: When you have experienced the cold disappointment of loss and grief, how has God's loving light helped to you hope again?
Sent from my iPad
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