November 2010
taken on a quiet day of solitue last month
During these busy autumn months I am challenged to pay close attention to how I spend my time. Reading through some of my early prayer letters I came across some great insights that are fresh for me as I continue to press into this new start in Moldova.
Drawing Close
July 1,2002
I enjoy reading real life adventures that depict the journeys of Christian missionaries and saints throughout the past two millenia. Between the pages of these lives lay gems of inspiration and wisdom. One such word of wisdom comes from George Muller, a nineteenth century Englishman who established homes to care for orphaned British children. On April 16, 1831 he writes,
I must offer a word of warning to believers. Often the work of the Lord itself may tempt us away from communion with Him. A full schedule of preaching, counseling, and travel can erode the strength of the mightiest servant of the Lord. Public prayer will never make up for closet communion.
Stepping into new responsibilities with new demands on my time poses many challenges. The threat of becoming so busy that the purpose of ministry is lost behind all the activity is cause for concern. If knowing and loving God is sacrificed for the sake of doing ministry, then I lose out because I have forgotten the One for whom I serve. Those among whom I serve lose out as they realize I am acting out of duty and not motivated by love. Intimacy with God must come first and Muller’s words are a timely reminder to carefully protect times of solitude and prayer.
However, there is another dimension to the challenge of remaining close to God that Muller does not address. As Christine Pohl states, “Intimacy with God involves three different dimensions.” The first is similar to Muller’s “closet communion” of prayer and Scripture study. The second has to do with participating in a community of believers. The third of these dimensions is that “intimacy with God comes through the loving attention we give to others – neighbors, enemies and especially the most vulnerable” (The Cry Spring 2002).
This new understanding of the various components of communion with God brings me great joy. Muller’s important admonition combined with Pohl’s insights on intimacy with God remind me of my life’s purpose – loving God and loving my neighbors – and teaches me that the two are more closely connected than I would have guessed.
With love and gratitude,
Rahela