And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He departed and went out to a desolate place, and there He prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for Him, and they found Him and said to Him, "Everyone is looking for You." And He said to them, "Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out." And He went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. (Mark 1:35-39)
Jesus had a habit of sneaking off by Himself to pray, either in the very, very early morning, or very late at night. Those were probably the only times He could get, as so many people wanted Him—for healing, for preaching, for answering questions. But Jesus needed that time with the Father—and so He took it when He could get it.
But as any parent knows, they will find you, eventually—and all their wants and needs will come pouring out on top of you. It's easy to get lost in what everyone else wants of you! But Jesus had it straight: "Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out."
Are you overcome by what everyone else wants of you? It might be a good time to do what Jesus did, and find some time to spend with God. He is the One who loves and values you, not for what you do, but simply because you are His beloved child—because you are the one He suffered, died, and rose again for. You are wanted—wanted by God, purely because He loves you.
THE PRAYER: Dear Father, help me to get it straight that You love me because that's who You are, and not because of what I do or don't do. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Who wants something of you today? What is it?
* Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the wants of others?
* What does it mean to you to know that God wants you for you, and not for what you can produce?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today's Bible Readings: Exodus 29-30 Mark 2
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