Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
There is something special about rising early to commune with our Lord. Some of my fondest memories are the days when my father would wake me up before the sun rose. His hand would gently shake me from my sleep, and his voice would instruct me, “Put on your boots,” “We’re going hunting,” or “We’re headed to work,” or “We’re going somewhere today.” We would walk together to the deer stand, or drive together to the job site, or stop in at a restaurant to grab breakfast. At the time, it just seemed like another day, but looking back on those early mornings, I realize they were some of the sweetest times.
It’s been nearly 20 years since his hand shook me from my sleep or his voice called me to wake up, “Put on your boots.” These days, there is an unseen hand that shakes me from my sleep and bids me rise, saying, "Put on your boots." Some mornings He instructs me, some mornings we go on a hunt. No matter the instruction or comfort He gives, the fellowship is always sweet.
Do you have a walk with the Lord? Do you fellowship with Him from day to day? Is His voice the first one you hear in the morning? Is His hand the first touch you feel? If not, you are missing out on the sweetest times. Where does your instruction come from? Who are you working for? Not only are you missing out on fellowship, but also on strength and on hitting the mark set forth by our Lord. If our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom was no guile, made it a habit to rise, pray, and fellowship with His Father, how much more should we?
Three things in this verse instruct us in how to fellowship with God.
Firstly, there was a period:
“In the morning, rising up a great while before day.” Notice Jesus had to rise up and go out—this was intentional. No one develops a daily walk with the Lord by accident. It comes by determination and a conscious effort. The Psalmist prayed three times a day, and Daniel did likewise. Our Lord often made time to pray, even in the midst of His demanding ministry; He made prayer a priority. Dear reader, set a time. The morning hours are particularly sweet, but any time spent with Him is precious.
Secondly, there was a place:
“He departed into a solitary place.” Jesus had specific places He would resort to. In Luke, the Garden of Gethsemane is referred to as "The Place," suggesting this was a spot He frequented to pray. Judas knew right where to find Him. Daniel entered into his chamber, opened the windows, and prayed. There is no special virtue in the place itself, but you will need a place to pray. For me, it used to be during my drive to work. We would ride together, and He would speak to my heart, and I would speak to Him. Then it was a trail in the woods near my home. These days, we live in the city, and there is a spot in my yard where I go to walk and talk with Him. Do you have a place? It could be in your car, your office, a trail in the woods, or a closet, but find “the place” and resort there often.
Lastly, there was privacy:
“A solitary place.” He rose before others, made a quiet escape, and found a place where He could be alone with His Father. Intimacy requires privacy. In the presence of others, it’s hard to bear your heart. Intimacy is sharing your deepest, most personal secrets. In a marriage, there are things shared between husband and wife that are “for your eyes only” or “for your ears only.” So it is with our heavenly Groom. There are tears I shed before Him that are for no other person but my Lord. There are burdens I wouldn’t share with my closest friends, but I can and do bear them all before Him. In fact, there is nothing I cannot bring to Him. He bids us, “Cast all thy cares upon Me.”
Then there is His voice to me—He raptures me from this world of care, lifts my soul on wings of eagles, and for a season, my heart flies far above any need, hurt, or worry. He has caused me to weep, shout, and jump—all before Him. These are private, intimate times when all my praise is exclusively His, all my tears are for Him, and His voice speaks softly and tenderly to me.
Today is a good day to start this journey with your Lord. Make time, find a place, and escape with Him.
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