Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Jesus set the example for how we as believers should live our lives. He set the example of how we should care for others and make time to pray. The world is going crazy right now and everything feels so uneasy and heavy. Especially today with everything that happened at the White House. Lawlessness and chaos is becoming so normal and its heartbreaking to see the state of the world. As believers it is our duty to pray, especially in times like these.
Growing up my grandma would always tell me to go in my closet and pray. Pray about everything because God hears me. Then I didn't have the relationship that I have with God now but I would pray. I look back now and can see how those sweet moments have helped shape my faith and relationship with God today. So thankful for my grandma teaching me early on how important prayer is.
"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:5-6)
I think its important for not only our mental health but our spiritual walk to spend intentional time in prayer and fasting. It has personally been beneficial for me to fast from media, social media and just being wise with my time online. Every year I usually take a long social media break to refocus my attention and to regain perspective.
In a culture that is overly consumed with almost everything but God it can be hard to break away from the distractions of the world. I want to encourage you and if you feel led, to break away for a period of time and refocus your attention on God. That may look different for you but for me that looks like studying my Bible more, reading and praying more intentionally. Its a sweet time whenever I'm in the presence of the Lord completely devoted to my time with Him. I never regret breaking away and spending this time with Him.
One of my favorite favorite verses is
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
.. whenever I'm feeling restless and very anxious to my Father's arms is where I run. It is a guarantee that He is always ready and willing to settle my anxiousness and worry. I find comfort and peace in His presence and my situation can literally be the exact same afterwards.
The world is going to continue to get crazier and crazier as it grows further and further away from God and His principles. Please know that even in the crazy God is still sovereign and present. He isn't asleep nor has He taken His hands off His people. He's still with us and promises to always be. You have access to Him and to His peace.
I pray this year we all take time to be more intentional in praying and fasting and seek after the peace that He's able to give us even in the craziest of moments ♡