Spending time with God to draw nearer to Him
> In our fast-paced world, the concept of a personal retreat might seem like a luxury we can scarcely afford. Yet, the Bible shows us that seeking solitude for prayer, reflection, and connection with God is not a modern luxury but a timeless necessity for spiritual growth.
Mark 1:35 (NIV) states, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Here, we see Jesus Himself setting the example of seeking solitude for communion with the Father. If the Son of God found it necessary to retreat from the demands of His ministry to pray, how much more do we need such times of spiritual renewal?
Creating a personal retreat doesn’t require an exotic location or an extended period away from our responsibilities. It’s about setting aside intentional time and space to deepen our relationship with God, to listen to His voice, and to allow His Word to transform us.
Reflecting on Psalm 46:10 (NIV):
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
This verse invites us to quiet our minds and hearts before God. In the stillness, away from the noise and distractions of our daily lives, we can truly know Him. This knowing goes beyond intellectual understanding to a deep, experiential relationship with God as our refuge and strength.
Practical Steps to Creating Your Personal Retreat:
- Dedicate Time: Choose a time that works for you, whether it’s an hour at the start of your day, a specific day of the week, or a weekend every few months. The frequency and duration are less important than the commitment to meet with God.
- Find Your Space: Your retreat space doesn’t have to be elaborate. It can be a quiet corner of your home, a local park, or anywhere you can be free from interruptions. The goal is to have a designated place that helps you shift your focus to God.
- Prepare Your Heart: Begin your retreat by asking God to speak to you and prepare your heart to listen. Confess any sins that may be hindering your relationship with Him, and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your time.
- Engage with Scripture: Choose a passage of Scripture to meditate on. Read it slowly, reflect on its meaning, and consider how it applies to your life. Allow God’s Word to comfort, challenge, and change you.
- Pray and Listen: Spend time in prayer, pouring out your heart to God, and then be still and listen. Prayer is a two-way conversation; give God space to respond.
- Reflect and Respond: End your retreat by reflecting on what you’ve heard from God. Consider writing down any insights or commitments in a journal. Ask yourself how you can carry what you’ve learned into your daily life.
Creating a personal retreat for spiritual growth is about making room for God to work in our lives. It’s a practice that can transform us, drawing us closer to Him and aligning our hearts with His. As we regularly retreat from the world to seek God’s presence, we’ll find our spiritual roots growing deeper, our relationship with Him strengthening, and our lives increasingly reflecting the likeness of Christ.
“In the business of life, don’t forget to stop and listen to God. It’s in the moments of solitude that we often hear God’s plan and find strength for the journey.”Tim Keller
Hebrews 4:16 (NIV): “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
May your personal retreats be times of profound encounter with God, where you receive His mercy, grace, and guidance for the journey ahead.
Further tips
For more advice on how to structure your personal retreat, listen to the following YouTube video by Jackie Anderson. She says, “I’m in a transition season of my life. I feel a need to get alone with God and process the many emotions and thoughts whirling around my head. A personal spiritual retreat is the answer! What is it? Why do it? And this video gives some tips on how to do it!”
