Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

29 March 2025

Reading From Luke 5:1-16

“Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

—Luke 5:15-16

     A few decades ago ours was not a 24/7 culture but now that is all we know.  We want goods and services and we want them now.  Therefore, people have to be employed around the clock in order to provide us with what we want without consideration for the need to regularly rest and recharge.  Jesus Christ was fully man but also fully God and He knew the vital importance of alone time. 

     What struck me as I read this passage this afternoon is that Luke does not record that sometimes Jesus went away to have quiet time.  No, Doctor Luke says that Jesus often prescribed Himself precious time away from His family, friends and the crowds that constantly sought His attention.  He was perfectly patient, filled with compassion and made time for people, but He also made time to be alone with His Father.  We have the same Heavenly Father and our bodies and spirits need time away from the hustle and bustle to commune with Him.

     Sometimes having quiet time for devotions, prayer, reflection, and private worship means that I have to get creative.  Even if it is pulling over to a safe spot along a country road and collecting my thoughts for a few moments and reaching out to the Lord with a brief but honest prayer, even that is so spiritually valuable to us and to our God.  We are called not only to know Him but to partner with Him in cultivating that vibrant, healthy, life-giving relationship where He will know us as well. 

     He is our Creator and Sustainer, the Author and Finisher of our faith; of course He knows us.  He knows us better than we know ourselves, but the point is that He wants to know us in the context of a relationship based on faith and trust made possible through Jesus and our acceptance of His atonement and Lordship.  Relationships take time and effort.  Jesus modeled that perfectly for us.  Our eternal life, eternal health and eternal success depend upon us following His example.  I never regret spending time with Him.  Get alone with God.  It is always time well sent.

“Lord, I love You so much and I am grateful for Your love for me and for all of Your children.  I pray that You would gently remind us that You are waiting for us with outstretched arms.  Thank You that You actually want to spend time with us.  My hope is that we would all do that more often.  There is so much peace and comfort and rejuvenation found in Your loving embrace.  Thank You for reaching out to us.  I pray that we would respond and enjoy Your Presence continually.  In Your Presence there is fullness of joy.  All of these things I pray in Your holy Name, Jesus.  Amen.”

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

—I Thessalonians 5:16-18

You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

—Psalm 16:11