I really can’t remember how many years I have been rising early and spending time with the Father.
I do remember what the days were like when I was trying to do it all on my own. I remember the frustration, the anxiousness and the feelings of inadequacy. I still have days of frustration and some days of worry but now, in the quiet morning hours the Father ministers to my heart and my soul, erasing those moments of inadequacy – He is always there to remind me that I am not alone, I don’t have to struggle under my own lack of understanding and strength. I can depend totally on Him to be all I need.
His unconditional love amazes me!
This morning’s thoughts about abandonment. Not ours but Jesus’.
“At noon the whole country became dark. The darkness continued for three hours. 46 About three o’clock Jesus cried out loudly, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” This means “My God, my God, why have you left me alone?” Matthew 27:45-46 ERV
Jesus spent his entire earthly stay communicating with the Father, doing the Father’s will and bringing glory to His Father. Now in the darkness Jesus knew that He had been forsaken and left alone! Jesus’ heart broke.
God the Father had to turn His attention away from Jesus, his beloved Son, to us so that Jesus could bear the penalty for our sin on the cross. At that time the Father put us and our relationship ahead of His love for Jesus. We became His primary focus.
“But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us.” Romans 5:8 ERV
“Christ had no sin, but God made him become sin so that in Christ we could be right with God.” II Corinthians 5:20 ERV
The experience of that separation from the Father was almost unbearable to Jesus. The times of communion with the Father were interrupted. He was on the cross, alone. This is why my quiet time brings me such comfort and strength. Never once have I been abandoned by the Father. His love is the light in my darkness.
It doesn’t matter if “quiet time” comes first thing in the morning, midday or later at night. The important thing is to make time. Remember what it cost for you to have this wonderful privilege of coming into the Father’s presence. Don’t take it for granted.
How amazing is His love. Because of it this relationship is available to all, to whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved!