Storm Warning: Storm Chasing — Monday
Matthew 14:23
And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. (ESV)
Anyone who knows me knows I love to throw a good party. In November, I had the privilege of hosting a birthday party for my 5-year-old niece. I spent a couple of months brainstorming, searching Pinterest, and planning for the best-ever shark party on a budget. We had lots of ocean-themed treats, decorations, party favors, and gifts for the birthday girl.
When I was working on things for the party, I was mostly alone. No decorations, no laughing kids, no inflatable sharks, no yummy cake—it wasn’t time for any of that yet. For the most part, it was just me organizing and planning and shopping. Those things can sound tedious, but they were enjoyable because I knew they prepared me for what was coming. The smile on my niece’s face was worth every minute of work I put into it!
In Matthew 14:23, we see Jesus go up to the mountain by Himself to pray. Jesus was preparing for what He knew was coming. This is not the only time in the New Testament that we can find Jesus retreating from the chaos and crowds to be alone with His Father. Even Jesus, who lived a sinless, perfect life on earth, needed time alone with the Father.
We don’t always know what’s coming or whether it will be good or bad, but our preparation always looks the same—time with the Father. We prepare our hearts and our minds by knowing His Word. Psalm 119:11 (ESV) says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
In the end, no matter what storms life may throw at you—and it will throw them hard—being prepared to stand firm against the temptation of sin is the best kind of preparation. Even if you aren’t currently in the middle of storms, struggles, or strife at the moment, you can be certain there will be a day that you are. Learning to strengthen your relationship with the Lord in good times will be what keeps you close to Him in the hard times.
Monday’s Reflection
Have you been preparing for the storms of life by grounding yourself in God’s Word? Here are some reading plan options if you need help getting started.