This is the time of year many are traveling from one place to another for vacation. It is a time for refreshment and relaxation. We look forward to it, plan it, contemplate it and try to get as much into it as we can. When our children were young we use to go to the beach each year. I’m not much for the beach, but my wife and the kids loved it. While they were on the beach, I would go out to the back porch of our vacation getaway and sit and read without interruption. That was my idea of a good vacation. How prominent is God in your vacation plans? Is there a time for spiritual vacation so to speak? The Bible has some interesting things to say about spiritual retreat. It should be a time of:

Busy, busy, busy that’s a description of many lives today. Always something that needs to be done. Jesus had that kind of life as well. He and His disciples needed time to just rest. You do to. It is important for us to realize this truth. (Psa 37:7) “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him.” Rest gives us an opportunity to refresh ourselves. It gives added vigor for the work ahead. It’s said, “When a Christian stays his mind on Christ, he develops a wonderful “calm-plex”

RENEWAL (Luke 5:16)
“And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.”

So much happening, so many needs, that is the time for renewal. Jesus separated Himself for prayer. He went to the Father for renewed strength and vigor. We look to God for our strength. While it is important to seek God each day, we also need a time devoted exclusively to commune with Him. Jesus teaches the necessity of such times. (Isa 40:31) “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Have you taken a specific time to be alone with God? Someone well said, “Tarry at God’s promise ‘til He meets you there.” Plan to get alone with Him and seek renewal on the job, in the home and in your spiritual life.

The apostles were excited at how God was working in their lives. This was the ideal time to reflect on His power and His guidance and care. Jesus took His disciples to a private place to contemplate and consider that work. We need to take time to thank God for His work in and through us as well. You see all we are able to do is actually God’s power working through us to touch the lives of others. (Zec 4:6) “Not by might and not by power but by my Spirit says the LORD of Hosts.” Is God doing great things in your life? Take time to be alone with Him and praise Him for His marvelous works.

Jesus had just been given news of the death of John the Baptist. No doubt this report drew heavily on His spirit. His retreat into a desert place to be with the Father is a good example for us to follow. Often we find ourselves overwhelmed by the evil and difficulties in our world. It is times like these which require our getting alone and closer to God. (James 4:8) “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” Certainly, as believers, we know the victory is ours, but the battle is real and the way is sometimes difficult. That’s when we need God the most. His promises, His power, His grace, His comfort, all are ours as we seek to be alone with and close to Him.

Indeed there is great advantage to spiritual vacation, a time for rest, renewal, reflection and restoration. We all need these times. George Gallup Jr. said, “Any revitalization of faith in this country will have to start with prayer, in which we gain a sense of the living presence of God.” When Jesus got away from the crowds and the activities, He used it as a time of prayer and communion with His Father. How important these times are for us. Plan a special getaway with God. Take a spiritual vacation and watch God revitalize your faith. God bless.