While It Is Still Dark (from 31 Days of Encouragement – Beth)

“AND EARLY IN THE MORNING, WHILE IT WAS STILL DARK, HE AROSE AND WENT OUT AND DEPARTED TO A LONELY PLACE AND WAS PRAYING THERE.” Mark 1:35

It is dark outside when the alarm clock sounds at 5:00 AM. As you silence the annoying sound, do your thoughts race through the “to do” list of the day, or do you begin a conversation with the Lord? In those first quiet moments of your day, do you, as Jesus did, find a quiet place to meet with the Lord and get your “to do” list from your heavenly Father who knows all things? Let’s look at a day in the life of Jesus.

Mark 1:21-26 tells us that while Jesus was teaching in the synagogue one morning, “a man with an unclean spirit” interrupted Him. Has this ever happened to you … an interruption at the beginning of an already full day? Instead of irritation, Jesus saw this as an opportunity to demonstrate the marvelous power and love of God. He rebuked the unclean spirit and the evil spirit left the man.

When He left the synagogue that day, Jesus visited the house of Simon and Andrew. I think that like all of us, Jesus enjoyed times of fellowship with His friends. Mark 1: 29-31 describes the events of this visit. When they arrived at the house, Simon’s mother-in-law was sick with fever. To some people this may have seemed like another interruption. However, Jesus saw this as another opportunity to work. He “came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her.”

Maybe now Jesus can sit down and rest! Remember that when Jesus walked on the earth He was God manifested in the flesh. He was human and got tired (John 4:6). Yet, just as it is with you and me, rest does not always come when we think we need it. Surely now Jesus can stop for a few minutes! Do you ever feel this way? You began your day with the “to do” list, but with all of the “interruptions,” few things on the list are accomplished. You may be tired and just want to sit down; then there is a knock on the door.

Mark 1:32-34 tells us that after sunset that day, “they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon possessed. And the whole city had gathered at the door. And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out demons.” The word immediately is used four times in the account of this day in Jesus’ life. Can you identify with Him? Does it seem like everyone needs you – immediately? With Jesus’ attention in seemingly constant demand, how did He handle so many urgent needs with His characteristic patience and love?

The answer lies in Mark 1:35. Jesus met with His Father alone while it was still dark before the crowds pressed in. Jesus prayed there and was prepared for the demands of the day.

As you reflect on this account of a day in the life of Jesus, let me challenge you to purpose in your heart to arise early tomorrow morning, go to a quiet place, and spend time with your Father in prayer. Determine not to lie in your bed and let your mind wander. Decide before you go to bed tonight that you will do as Jesus did and get up tomorrow morning to spend time alone with God before the interruptions begin.