“Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan…” – Mark 1:12-13 (NKJV)
As we journey into this new year, let us understand that we have never walked this path before and that each new day is a gift from God our Father. Therefore, we must always demonstrate an ‘attitude of gratitude.’
In our Scripture text, Our Lord Jesus Christ, before He began His public earthly ministry and after His baptism in the Jordan River, was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. There, He fasted and prayed for forty days and forty nights. He understood the importance of prayer and fasting before His commencement to public ministry. What excludes you and me from setting ourselves apart to seek the face of God in our daily walk with Jesus?
Prayer, in the life of the believer, must be demonstrated out of a relationship with God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by the Holy Spirit. In every decision (great or small ) that we endeavour to make, we must at all times seek the mind of Christ, before and not after, to avoid the heartaches and pains we may encounter. Prayer is paramount in every believer’s life. Just as plants need water for sustenance and growth, we also need fellowship with God daily. This is done through prayer and meditation on His Word.
Jesus’ life was centered on prayer. He prayed early in the morning (Mark 1:35). He prayed in the evening (Mark 6:46-48). He prayed all night (Luke 6:12). He prayed before He chose His disciples (Luke 6:13). His ministry was effective because His life was one of prayer. Jesus interacted with His Father first before he interacted with man. His Words to His disciples (and us) are, “I do as the Father has commanded Me…” (ESV). Question: ‘Are you always obedient to The Father, doing what you are told?’
As we journey in this new year, let us continue to seek the Lord our God daily through prayer and meditation on His Word. For the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16 – NIV). Brothers and sisters, pray, for our lives depend on it. Shalom.
Read: Daniel 6:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:3
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 1:8-19; Matthew 6:25-34; Matthew 7:1-23; Genesis 17; Genesis 18
