The Invitation

I spend much of my time alone and can go for two or three days without actually talking with anyone. A simple phone call is often the highlight of my day. An invitation to be included in an activity with friends or family is even better. In the silence, my mind tends to ponder problems and conversations of unresolved issues. I can think of dozens of ways I should have handled something differently. This is generally an exercise in futility.

There is a positive aspect to the silence as well – I can clearly hear the invitation from the Lord to bring my concerns to Him or just rest in His presence. He listens, He responds, He cares. When I spend time with the Lord, He also causes me to consider others who may need a call or a visit to encourage them.

As I write this, I recall Jesus spent time alone too. After His baptism, He retreated to the wilderness to fast and pray for forty days. During this time, Satan presented Jesus with a series of temptations. Jesus refused them all before returning to Galilee to begin His ministry. Jesus withdrew to pray before important decisions, such as the selection of His disciples. Solitude and rest were clearly important to Him.

In the silence and solitude, Jesus extends a special invitation to spend time with Him, hear His voice, and trust Him as He prepares me for my next step in ministry and life. He invites me to come and talk with Him. It’s an invitation I cannot refuse – Lord, I am coming.

Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me!

My heart has heard you say, “Come talk with me.”

And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”

Psalm 27:7-8