"Renewal Of Mind and Body"

  "But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness to pray." (Luke 5:16) This little statement that was Holy Spirit inspired has great meaning or at least it is becoming to be more of an influence for me as I age. 

  Getting alone with God, away from all distractions is vital. I just returned from two weeks away, in the mountains, reading and praying everyday and I cannot tell you how refreshed I am. It's not vacationing just to run to every thing and do every event while you are where you are. It's not about being busy spending money. It's about time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord without any distractions and it helps both the mind and body! Too many families today are killing themselves daily with worries and pleasures of life. They take their vacation and what do they find? Spending themselves into more debt (which creates greater anxieties for paying off) and running at a fast pace from one thing to another only coming home to needing a vacation from their vacation. I know this well. I used to do it! Not any more. I have since discovered the "secret" of renewing your mind and body and it's not about running but resting in the Lord. Someone might say, "But you don't have kids anymore and they want to go do!" Aw, that's just it. We kept two of our grandchildren, ages 6 and 10, with us the whole two weeks and they were well content sitting around camp, playing in the dirt, walking along side the stream of water, throwing rocks, finding rocks, feeding the chipmunks, riding their bikes down a single path, doing a little fishing and all without electronics or wanting to go and do!

  Our lives are being pushed to the limits by too many activities and electronics. Our lives are being pushed by the love of pleasures rather than the love of God. When was the last time you sat down and meditated on the word of God? When was the last time you sat down and looked for God in His word, listening to His voice alone? When is the last time you sat down and simply prayed? I don't mean the short little prayers, but a praying with a yearning and longing from the heart? The mind becomes refreshed. The soul becomes clean and focused. The heart is stirred to great depths. God touches the depth of your being! I understand a little of why Jesus would slip away often.