Today I had a problem connecting to the wireless network in
my home. The router seemed to be working, but my phone and computer refused to
communicate even with cellular data enabled and I was frustrated at being disconnected
from the world. I couldn’t check the weather, listen to my playlist, download a
new app, check updates on social media, or post to my blog until the connection
was restored.
I am naturally introverted so I tend to enjoy my quiet time,
but after a while I get tired of me and long for interaction with friends and
family who provide stimulating conversation and warm fellowship. This longing
reminds me that humans are not designed to live in isolation and that we should
seek connection with others, but we also need to step away from the world
regularly and seek time with God.
People are not electronics and cannot stay connected to the
world all the time. Overload can occur and frequently does with current busy
schedules. This happened to Jesus after he heard about the beheading of his
cousin, John the Baptist, and the crowds continually pressed upon him seeking
healing. He realized that he was running on empty and needed to disconnect from
the world for a while and spend time with God. Matthew 14:22-25 tells us,
“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him
to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them,
he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there
alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from the land, buffeted
by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn, Jesus went
out to them, walking on the lake.” (NIV)
The notes in my Bible indicate that Jesus stayed on the
mountain by himself for six to nine hours. That is quite a long time! He spent
much of that time in prayer and because of it he left the mountain refreshed
enough to perform a miracle. His example shows us how important it is to take time
to disconnect from the world to pray, meditate on scripture, and relax. Who
knows? Perhaps we might, like Jesus, be refreshed enough by God to do something
above our own natural strength?
How did Jesus disconnect?
- Found a quiet place with no distractions
- Spent time in prayer
- Guarded his quiet time regardless of the storm brewing nearby
How do you disconnect from the world and spend time
with God?
