I recently had an opportunity to go on a much-needed personal retreat. I try to go at least once a year to refocus and recharge. Here are 4 reasons why you should too…
1. STILLNESS
Most of us are way too busy trying to fit 30 hours of work into a 24-hour day! We go and go and go and then wonder why we feel so spiritually depleted. We haven’t been still before the One that refuels us! Getting away allows us to, rather than do, simply BE. It is there in that stillness that you often will see God’s purpose for you anew.
2. SILENCE
Ever wonder why God speaks with a thunderous voice? He has to in order to be heard above the noise that constantly surrounds us! A retreat is a great time to break away from all of the text bells, ring back tones, and even from our own non-stop conversations and just listen. In the silence, we can retune our spiritual ear in order to hear God’s whisper rather than having to strain to hear His shout.
3. SIMPLICITY
Even with all of the technology with “i” in front of it, we live pretty complicated lives. There is something about simplifying our surroundings, if only for a short period of time, that helps us appreciate all of the technology that we often take for granted. More importantly, the simplicity of a retreat can also help us recognize those things that are most important in our lives…things like our faith, our family, our friends.
4. SURRENDER
When was the last time that you just stood before God, opened armed, totally giving in to His voice, His movement, His will? For most, Sunday service might, MIGHT, provide an opportunity to surrender fully. But when you are alone in a secluded place with no one to see BUT God…there is a freedom there that cannot be found in most public places…even some places of worship. And even though we often say, and deep down know, that we should be in a constant state of surrender, in reality most of us are not. (No offense. Just being real here.)
Simply put…
I know that some of you will say, “I have plenty of ‘God time,’” and I’m sure you do. However, while taking time out in the morning, the afternoon, or whenever you take time, is absolutely necessary, it cannot compare to getting away, withdrawing from the proverbial “rat race,” and recharging your spiritual batteries. Some of you will say, “I can’t get away; I am too needed there”…trust me, unplugging for a short period of time is even more important than being “there” everyday. It will give you a chance to refocus on the reason you are where ever “there” is in the first place…
Daily personal God time…necessity. Going away on a personal retreat to a place that is still, quiet, simple, and allows us to surrender freshly…priceless…
Press In…
