Running Away To BE With God

“As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer.” Luke 5:16 (Message)

Sitting on a downed log next to the slow moving river I meet with God. A canopy of purple from a red bud tree shades my head as lace from the sun. Pink blossoms blow gently past me to hover mysteriously above the rippling water. I would say we meet in silence, yet it is actually musical. Birds are chirping and squawking, insects are humming and buzzing, dry leaves are crunching, trees are swaying — all in a rhythmic harmony to the words Jesus speaks into my heart. “Praise Him, sun and moon, praise Him, all you shining stars. Praise Him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He commanded and they were created. He set them in place forever and ever; He gave a decree that will never pass away. Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do His bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds… Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.” Psalm 148:3-13 (NASB)

Over the past twelve years our Father has called me to “run away” to be with Him alone in the woods again and again to pray, listen and be refreshed by Him. This past spring we have had an especially sweet time together. First just the two of us were alone for seven days at Camp Lutherhaven. Then with Him through a close friend of ours I was taught how to do a little hiking and appreciate the woods from yet a whole new perspective--bringing the Word with us to read and pray together, soaking in a sacred God’s creation.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NASB) In quiet contemplation I breathe deep the sweet air of the forest, keeping my eyes peeled for what God may send to me to speak rest into my exhausted soul. This past few weeks He has sent cotton tailed bunnies, chipmunks, squirrels, a flock of blue jays, a red tailed fox, a kissing cardinal couple and even several deer. The intricate majesty of His “ordinary” creation astonishes me. Taking my eyes off of me, and moving them onto Him, I find that “He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.” Psalms 23:3

Whenever I know it is time for me to leave the woods to go back to “normal life” I find a big part of me reacting like a small child. I beg God to stay with Him “here” for a little while longer. Honestly, I don’t know how anyone who follows Christ makes it without these quiet times alone with Him. It has been some of my most treasured moments with God.

So although I beg Him for us to stay “awhile longer,” I find that He always seems to remind me "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14 That then allows me the opportunity to look forward to the next time I am able to “run away” and be alone with Him again.