Desert Days

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry (Matthew 4: 1-2, NIV).

Writing is a spiritual discipline. Often what I am writing about is something that I need to be more intentional about myself. I wrote last week about Mark 1 when Jesus went out early to pray. 

Early morning, in the quiet, while it was still dark. Sitting with the Father in prayer. 

I can write about this concept, but how well am I actually “practicing what I preach?” Honestly, many times not well. I don’t say that from a place of condemnation, but rather a place of recognizing that our world is filled with constant notifications–emails, texts, phone calls, and moving from one thing to the next. And sometimes we need help getting out of our own way.

I had a conversation with a friend the other day who shared about his time away at a retreat, and the rhythms of rest he experienced. What does it mean to truly find rest with Jesus?

Cody grew up attending Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, and he shared with me about Kurt Sauders, a member at his church who founded Further Still Ministries. Specifically, we talked about “Desert Days”, a vital part of their ministry. 

8 hours. Structured schedule. Distraction free. Getting quiet with Jesus. That’s what a Desert Day is all about. I took 5 minutes to watch the introductory video. Kurt shares his own story, and encourages folks to consider this question: 

What would it look like for us to set aside one day per month to pause, step away from all our distractions, and spend time with Jesus? 

Honestly, it can feel a little scary. Pausing all notifications, eliminating distractions, and getting quiet with the Lord feels countercultural. And that’s because it is. But we need only to look to Matthew 4 to be reminded that it is absolutely Biblical:

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.

Jesus spent 40 consecutive days in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry. If it was important for Him, how much more important is it for us? Learning to get quiet with the Lord, in a space where I allow Him to provide clarity in a very messy world, is a rhythm of rest I want to give more time to. 

While it isn’t always easy to make time, it will always be worth it. I’ll follow up in a few weeks to share more about my experience, and in the meantime, let’s all remember to be more like Jesus.