There are days when I’d like to rewrite the words of the old hymn “I Need Thee Every Hour” to something like…
I need Thee, O I need Thee,
Every minute I need Thee,
Oh, bless me now, my Saviour,
I come to Thee.Oh, the comfort of feeling desperate for Jesus. You’ve had days like that, in which you feel as though you must cling to him every minute, every sixty seconds. That’s when I carve out time to be alone with him. I don’t take phone calls, I cancel my luncheon date, and I close the office door just to be with God.
Wonderful things happen when you’re alone with the Lord. Look at the record:
Moses was alone when the Lord revealed himself through the burning bush. Paul was alone in the Arabian desert when the Lord gave him personal instructions about preaching the Word. Mary was alone when the angel brought her the message that she would give birth to the Savior. Isaiah was alone when he received his commission from the Lord. Elisha was by himself when the mantle of prophet fell on his shoulders. And who can forget John alone on the island of Patmos when he received his wonderful revelation? Joshua, Jacob, and Daniel all received a special word from God when they took time to be alone with him.
If you need a word from the Lord, direction, help, and hope, set aside time to be alone with him. Expect him to speak to you. Guidance and real fellowship come only in those times of solitude, in an hour when you say to the Lord, “I need thee.”
Father, thank you that you have shown us through the Scriptures how you faithfully met with your children when they were alone and available to you. I too need thee to be my comfort, guide, and source of hope. Meet with me even as I set aside time to be with you. |
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