“In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there”. (Luke 5:16)

Jesus is calling us each day to pull away and retreat with Him! What is a retreat and why should we do it? I like how Webster dictionary describes the word retreat. “It is the act of retiring, a withdrawing of oneself from any place. State of privacy or seclusion from noise, bustle, or company. Place of safety and security.” My favorite part of the definition is from the military standpoint, summarizing it as “retiring from an enemy”. I like it because as Christians, we know we are faced with an enemy, the Devil! Yet, we also know we have victory! “Thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”(1 Corinthians 15:57). So it only makes sense that it would be a challenge to use our best defense, which is retreating to prayer time, reading the Word of God, and spending some time alone with Him. The Word of God is powerful, it arms us so that we can journey through this life confidently. Protecting a time of retreat each day is a smart plan of action. The most safe and secure place is with Jesus, right!

Even though I make a point to spend time with God each day (retreat), I have never actually gone on a weekend trip specifically for that purpose. A while back, I went on my first Women’s Retreat. The weekend retreat was an amazing time of reflection and connection both which strengthened my relationship with Jesus, but honestly it wasn’t easy to get away. It never is right? The week leading up to the retreat almost kept me from going. Responsibilities were screaming for my attention. On top of the normal to do list some out of the normal circumstances made the idea of a retreat feel more like it was the wrong time to step away. One of my daughters had a cold that was keeping her awake at night, it happened to be the week of my college midterms, and my mind was zapped from preparing for exams. Then we started to hear loud scratching in the walls that week. The scratching sounded fierce, but it turned out to be some tiny mice that had made their way into the walls and into the house. Mice in the house, GROSS!!! Minor things to handle during the week I know, but all the added stress made me feel like working harder rather than retreating. Sound familiar?

At last, my friend picked me up and we headed to the retreat. As my weary soul sat in the passenger seat of her car, I said Jokingly, “should this be called a women’s challenge instead of a women’s retreat?” She laughed because she understood that pulling away to be with Jesus isn’t always going to be eas, but rather it takes strategic planning, focus, and yes, possibly overcoming many obstacles to protect this most precious and much needed space in our lives. While my friend and I shared some more tears and giggles, my mind wandered from second guessing whether I should go, to daydreaming of what the retreat would be like. For some reason I envisioned a couple days without a schedule and a chance to get that uninterrupted, much-needed cat nap that I longed for. Oh, but friends, what I got was even better. The retreating with Jesus’ weekend, gently remined me that what I needed most wasn’t a nap, but rather a Jesus focused heart. My focused attention on Him and off of myself!

What I learned is that no matter where I am in life, being intentional with Jesus is a priority that if I take it, I will be refreshed. There will be challenges to overcome and life will always have things going on that feel more urgent. The day will present distractions to prevent this time alone whether you’re retreating from home or going on a trip to bathe in the Word of God. Retreating with Jesus is a place of refuge where not only tired bodies and minds can find rest, but more importantly faith can blossom again. “So then, faith comes by hearing, and hearing from the word of God!” (Romans 10:17).

Thanks be to God and others who purposely put Gods word into action:

Dear God,

I want to thank and pray for the men and women around the world, people that put in the hard work of creating a place where people can retreat. A place where faith can be renewed and be reminded the importance of retreating with Jesus! A place where the Word of God encourages fellowship, love, and truth. A place where the cares of the world can be washed away, souls can be edified and strengthened! A place where the fellowship of believers and speakers bring a good word confirming our faith. A place where new friendships can grow, and God is magnified!

What do you do each day to retreat with Jesus? I hope this post encourages your heart today if so please like, leave a comment and share this devotional with a friend.