“He Himself often withdrew in the wilderness and prayed.” Luke 5:16

My Need

When I got up this morning and sat before the Lord, I was “off.” Yesterday had been a dry day. The whole day was off. My flesh had its way a lot. Why was I not satisfied walking in the Spirit? What happened to push me off?  

The Lord was at work drawing me in. I sat and repented, asked the Lord to examine and search my depths, honestly confessing my great need, asking Him to reveal truth. He showed me that bad actions or attitude can be a symptom of a deeper problem. When I asked Him what was bothering me, the words came: Pride, control, impatience. I knew I needed to confess.  

What knocked me “off” was frustration that certain loved ones did not respond to the Lord’s truth as I think they should they should respond. Why would I allow this to knock me off kilter? I can’t control them. I needed to let it go into His capable hands. The enemy loves to get us frustrated. I needed to run into the Lord’s strong, loving arms instead of giving in to the lust of the flesh and allow its control, which becomes poison. I needed to withdraw to the wilderness or quiet place and pray as Jesus often did. I need to remember Psalm 63:1: “O God, You are my God! Early will I seek You. My soul thirsts for You, my flesh longs for You, in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.”

Sometimes I need to do this several times a day to confess my need. He is the only One that can truly satisfy and bring change; God’s timing is always perfect.  

Why? “…because Your (God’s) loving kindness is better than life! My lips will praise You, thus will I bless You!” (Psalm 63:3).

It is very important to pray for our loved ones continually and lift them before the Lord, but we must allow His control, entrusting the situation to His capable hands, remembering His timing is perfect. We need to ask for His heart for them and love them as He does, from His perspective. The Holy Spirit will use this for conviction of truth and irresistible unselfish love that, in time, they cannot resist. In faith we pray, maybe sometimes for years, but knowing all is in the Lord’s capable hands. He loves them more than we do. I need Him continually to remind me. I need to withdraw often to the wilderness and pray throughout our day.

But, for me, there is no time as valuable as the early part of the day to re-align with the Lord and allow Him in humility to change my heart through prayer and the reading of His Word. I get excited for His will and purpose, and my life becomes His praise!

“Father, forgive me how easily I get “off” and lose Your perspective. Please remind us constantly of our need of You and Your leading, trusting Your outcome in faith. Be in control today. Amen.”