A Day-by-day devotional

January 5, 2023

The Solitary Place

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Job 6-9

Scripture of the Day: Mark 1:35-39

Who doesn’t love those 24-hour convenience stores? Don’t we all find them just ever so practical? If you get an unexplainable craving while studying for an exam, you could easily pause what you’re doing, grab something to eat from the store and go back to resume studying. That’s the perks of having stores which are open to serve customers 24 hours everyday.

It is often the same when we are engaged in something we are passionate about. But we tend to forget that we are human , not a convenience store. Jesus Himself withdrew from work “and in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed“ (Mark 1:35).

Going back a few verses, we can see that the day before, the Lord’s activity list was full-packed. Firstly, He taught in the synagogue at Capernaum (Mark 1:21-22). Secondly, He healed an evil spirit (Mark 1:23-28). Next, He restored Peter’s mother-in-law’s health (Mark 1:29-35). Finally, the narrative states that He healed and helped many more people (Mark 1:32-34).

This first chapter of Mark is absolutely full-packed! Jesus had just started His ministry and yet, there He was, already fanning the flames, demonstrating His love for all the people who needed Him.

It is understandable that He became tired. Therefore He slept and upon waking up,

HE WENT INTO A SOLITARY PLACE AND PRAYED!

He recharged and once again had His fill by communing with the Father. If that was what Jesus did, shouldn’t we also? He restores us! (Psalm 23:1-3).

Reflection: Negligence of proper rest leads to a feeling of sluggishness, and incapacity to properly perform our tasks. We should ensure that we are able to prioritize our restoration, by departing from our busy work schedules to enter into our secret place with God. In this place, we regain our strength.

Prayer: Lord, I come to you and cast upon your feet all my cares and burdens. Please restore my body, soul and spirit, so that I can fulfill your purpose for me. Amen.