“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” (Mark 1:35, NASB).
Jesus was often interrupted by the random flow of people as He crossed the rivers of 1st century, middle eastern life. He got pulled this way, and pushed that way. He always responded with grace and compassion for the hurting, and never let bad actors waste His time. He was a marvel of efficiency and priority in every interaction.
This constant flow of people, with their own problems and priorities would have made it nearly impossible for Him to have a successful ministry without experiencing “burnout,” unless He prepared for it in advance.
Early in the day, before all the unknowns and variables came crashing down onto His daily life, He made time for His Father.
We make time for what matters. We know the day probably won’t go as planned. We know there will be variables, fresh and unforeseen issues will arise, something will pull us away, or even down. We know our emotions will be taxed – it is not if, but when, and why.
Thinking that we will just handle the incoming tide when it shows up is a recipe for spiritual disaster. If we do not make time for God first, we will likely not have time for God later.
But if we have prioritized, acknowledging that the day is under God’s control, what does come our way will be endured with a stronger spirit, a deeper love, a greater perspective. We will not see things happening “to” us, as much as happening “for” us.
We wish we could hear the words of Jesus’ early morning prayers. But perhaps we are meant to fill in those blanks – with our own.
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