Does life ever take you on a roller coaster ride? You know the one - where there are escalating "oh, no's!" followed by downward, spiraling unspeakable screams. Now I am sure in those circumstances you will be seeking God! ... but finding God amidst that kind of attention-grabbing turmoil is another thing altogether.
It's comforting to know that Jesus knew first hand about distress and troubles. He knew about the mocking, spitting, hitting, hurting, torture and eventual dying that was in His very near future. What does He do when overwhelmed? He goes to a quiet place where He can connect with the Father.
There are numerous passages in the bible where Jesus calls us to go to a quiet, solitary place - and with good reason. It's hard to see, hear, sense God when all you can focus on is the screaming, downhill plunge before you.
"Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. (Mark 6:31)
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed. (Mark 1:35)
That's why we read often about what Jesus has to offer in the way of quiet places:
He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters ... (Psalm 23:2)
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, surely I have a delightful inheritance. (Psalm 16:6)
This is why we have window seats with cushy pillows, a pile of magazines and an amazing view; why we have sidewalk cafes, and park benches, and beach chairs in the sand. It's why prayer time may come more easily very early in the morning or later at the end of a day. Fewer distractions.
So if life is giving you a real ride, I suggest you follow Jesus' example and go to a quiet place. Be still and know that He is God. If you need God, go where you can most readily find Him. Where you can hear that still, small voice.
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