“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand.” (Psalm 139:1-6 NLT)
How can God know so much about us when we know so little about Him? Why would He even care to know US? The Lord’s knowledge is infinite. He knows everything about everything, including about us! But get this – He not only knows what we’ve done, but what we’ll do, ultimately, what we’ll become as a person, including where we’ll spend eternity.
But please don’t get information confused with predestination. Knowing is a matter of the mind, our intellect, but predetermining is a matter of will, which is a subject for another post. If I’m in your presence, as God is ever-present with us (there’s never a second He’s not with us), He obviously will know everything about us, but His knowing doesn’t violate our will in any way. He may know we’re wearing a blue shirt, but He in no way influenced us to wear that shirt.
Why mention this in the context of taking a Spiritual Retreat? Because these and other subjects that often baffle us can be subjects of our retreat. However, if you’ve never taken a personal spiritual retreat, let me offer some observations and suggestions.
First, initially, let it be just for you and Jesus. Go to a quiet place in nature, a park, lake, or forest area, and leave your phone in the car. Take snacks and some water and plan to stay for at least 1 – 3 hours. Take your Bible and a pen and paper or your iPad or equivalent. Sit quietly for at least thirty minutes paying attention to what you’re seeing and hearing all around you. Nature is often God’s way of speaking when we’re ready to listen.
Second, have a subject, idea, or text in mind that will become the focus of your time with the Lord. For example, you may want to investigate God’s Promises. If you’re not that familiar with the Bible, you may want to Google “God’s Promises in the Bible.” You’ll quickly learn there are hundreds, but you can take 10 or 15 and write down their Biblical references. Then during your retreat, go to each promise, make note of its original context – why did God make THAT promise and to whom? Then think about how that promise effects or applies to you. Other subjects may be God’s Names, prayer, the Prophets of God, the Disciples, the Great Commission, the 10 Commandments, and on and on it goes. Pick a subject that will guide you in your time alone with the Lord.
Third, after each 30-45 minutes, take a break to eat a snack, walk around for 10-15 minutes pondering what you’ve just read or studied. Then go back and pick up where you left off.
Fourth, don’t feel compelled to complete the whole study. If you’re listening to the Lord’s voice and He’s guiding you into a deeper understanding of Himself, yourself, His Word, the specific subject you’re studying, that’s the “WIN,” continuing may be counterproductive. It’s not an assignment to complete, it’s time alone with your Savior in which your primary goal is to get to know Him more intimately.
This can also be beneficial for you and your spouse, a friend, or small group of friends.
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 