I have lived most of my life near a metropolitan area where hunting opportunities were few and far between and most of my time was taken up with conferences, retreats, men’s outreach programs, preaching, emceeing sports shows, and ministry to the disabled. When I took off time to hunt, I often drove at least four hours to reach a good hunting area. Today is different; I’m blessed to be surrounded by mountainous backcountry and prime hunting areas. The peace and serenity of the woods has always helped clear my mind and restore my spirit.
For a time, we lived in Moraga, California, next to a large, private open space where I located several tree stands to photograph and observe a variety of animals. I couldn’t hunt, but it was wonderful to just sit perfectly still in my stand, taking the time to reflect on life and observe God’s great creation. I could forget about the worries of the world and really concentrate on what God was saying to me. As I observed and evaluated the grandeur of His creation, I would listen.
Quite often Jesus took similar breaks to rest and communicate with God the Father. Matthew recorded, “Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself” (Matthew 14:13a). After an exhausting day of ministry, “Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and prayed there for a time” (Mark 1:35b). After healing many, and before feeding the four thousand, “He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer with God” (Luke 6:12b). After time with His Father, Jesus was able to return to His work refreshed and restored.
The deer stand became my own private chapel, a place to praise and worship the Creator and to gain a new perspective on the mundane problems of daily living. I can testify that what was good for Jesus is also good for us. Getting away to pray and worship God builds an intimacy with our Heavenly Father that restores our soul and renews our spirit.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 103: 1-5
Personal Application: When was the last time you got alone with God and took time to know Him, adore Him, praise Him, conference with Him, thank Him, and seek Him? Although it’s wonderful to experience this worship in the woods, it isn’t always possible. I challenge you to find a special place, your own private chapel, where you can retreat with the Lord and praise Him. “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weary” (Isaiah 40:31).
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5