“…having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” – Mark 1:35 (NKJV)
Recently, I discovered that being alone with God is an integral part of living a victorious life.
My life as a retiree has helped me to benefit from a planned, intentional daily practice. It all started by taking a walk around my yard, just to replace what I did for years while I was an employee. It helped me connect more with the Holy Spirit to help plan activities in the Kingdom of God. As I walk, I practise ‘silent prayer,’ that is, inviting the presence of God and finding that place of communion and fellowship with Him.
Quietness helps us to hear God better. The messages through the silence and solitude reassure you that the answers are from the Holy Spirit. The environment with the trees and my need for sunlight also gives me the opportunity to connect with nature. The entire setting offers peace that portrays ‘still waters.’
My daily practise reminds me of Joshua and the children of Israel in Joshua 6:1-27. I always marvel at the fact that the Israelites marched in silence. Their victory was in their obedience. Could you imagine preparing to march in silence for six days without any sign of the reason for the exercise?
Jesus’ disciples observed His habit of withdrawing to secluded places to pray and were intrigued. After an encounter with an epileptic boy who they could not help, they turned to Jesus for answers. He reminded them of their need to have faith, without which they could not have victories, and the need for daily communion with God (Matthew 17:14-21).
Friends, if Jesus demonstrated the value of prayer and the blessings of the ‘sound of silence,’ why shouldn’t we?
After examining these accounts from the Word of God, I have concluded that there is definitely victory in silent prayer. The Holy Spirit is faithful and could help us to be overcomers. I thank God for 2024 and look forward to a victorious 2025. Increase your faith with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for Your blessings in 2024. My victories were all because of Your unconditional love. Help me as I rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance that 2025 will be a year of testimonies of my increased faith and victory in every area of my life and the members of my family. Thank You for my obedience and my desire to serve in the Kingdom of God. I trust that many will be accepted into the family of God because of my obedience. Amen.
Read: Psalm 62:5; Isaiah 41:10
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 6; Matthew 5:43-48; Matthew 6:1-24; Genesis 14; Genesis 15; Genesis 16
