When the disciples returned from their mission, so many people were after them, that Jesus took the disciples with him to be alone and quiet. Here we see what might be called the rhythm of the Christian life.  For the Christian life is a continuous ‘going into’ the presence of God from the presence of men, and a ‘going out’ into the presence of men from the presence of God. It is like the rhythm of sleep and work. We cannot work well unless we have enough sleep. Sleep will not be sound unless we have worked well.

It may be a difficult in your own life and in the lives of your children when you give God no opportunity to speak to you because you have lost the knowledge of how to be still and listen for His voice. I know in my own life busyness can take control of your life, all these things we have to do.  All of which takes time away from God, with one another; and time away from listening and sustaining a still composure.

So the question remains when?  If we are doing and going all these places, when is there time for prayer? When will I settle down and learn how to listen to God’s voice?

The Gospel is a warning, if we become too busy we become like sheep without a shepherd and forget what the voice of God sounds like and it will be easier for us to be lost. “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile.” Take this as an invitation directly from Jesus. Take it as spoken to you because it is, separate yourself from your daily routine and come to know God better: yes, God is a mystery but approachable.

Yes, God is not fully knowable, but be grateful for His desire to be with you. There are quiet places still in your heart and in your church. Take advantage of them and you will come to understand the words of the psalm: ‘Only goodness and kindness will follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.”