Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.”

Mk 1:35-37

Jesus loved to heal people, but it was not the driving purpose of his life. After preaching in Capernaum and healing many people, Jesus rises early the next day and goes to a deserted place to spend time with God the Father in prayer and solitude. There he can recalibrate his life. He did it first thing in the morning so that his time with his Father would direct his day and his actions. Jesus directs his life by God’s desire for him — not by the desire of people. The scripture says that “Simon and those who were with him pursued him.” One can almost imagine them huffing and puffing, eager to find their master and have him continue where he had left off the previous evening. “Everyone is looking for you,” said Simon.

The disciples cannot understand why Jesus would “hide out.” They urge Jesus to go back to town, because if he does not meet the people’s needs, they believe his popularity will fall and his mission will lose momentum. Often, we can experience a similar pressure to do what others want us to do, which may take us away from God’s will. This is why it is vital that we learn to get alone with God.

Make sure you reserve quiet time for God each day. It does not have to be in the morning but doing it shortly after you first wake up can help you structure your day. Every day ask God what he wants you to do this day and make yourself available to him.