Time alone
We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot. ~ Acts 20:13
This verse reminds me of the times when Jesus told His disciples to go ahead to the next town or when He told them to get into the boat and that He would meet them there. In this passage, it is Paul who gave those same instructions to his team. He told them to go ahead on the ship while he walked to the next port on foot. The Bible does not tell us why, but I believe it was because he needed quiet time to pray and talk with God about what had just happened and what was coming next. The reason I think this is because it is what Jesus often did, and even I do the same thing because it is so important.
When something amazing, puzzling, or even difficult happens, I need time to process and talk with the Lord about how to handle it and to receive His peace about the situation. Paul had just experienced an amazing time of ministry in Troas. He preached, miracles came through him and even witnessed a young man fall from a window and die. Which we know it was to see God raise him back to life through his hands. After such powerful moments, both emotionally and spiritually, Paul needed that time alone with God to regain strength and stay in step with His plan.
In my own life, I know that quiet time with God is not an option, it is mandate. It’s an essential. It is not just something to do in the morning or only when trouble comes. Time alone with God keeps my spirit steady, my heart peaceful, and my mind focused. When I take time to talk with Him about everything I am processing, He brings understanding, comfort, and clarity. That time becomes the anchor that keeps me on course and the strength that helps me finish each day well.
Every moment spent with God is an investment in eternity. Nothing is wasted. Every prayer, every conversation, and every quiet moment in His presence is written in His book of remembrance, as Malachi 3:16 says. When I choose to meet with Him, it not only refreshes me for this life but also builds something lasting for the one to come.
If you struggle finding time to spend with your heavenly Father, here are some ideas to help you prioritize it:
- Schedule time each day to be alone with God, even if it’s just a few minutes. Make it an appointment that you keep.
- Begin your quiet time by thanking God for His presence and asking Him to help you hear His voice clearly.
- Talk to Him honestly about what you are processing in life, both the good and the hard things.
- Spend time in His Word and allow the Holy Spirit to speak truth and peace to your heart.
- Write down what God shows you during your quiet time so you can look back and see how He is working.
- End your time by asking Him for strength, wisdom, and joy for the rest of your day.
Today I want to encourage you to make time alone with God a daily habit. If Jesus and Paul needed that time to receive strength and guidance, how much more do you and I? The world is full of distractions, noise, and endless demands. It is easy to lose focus when life feels overwhelming. But when you shut everything off and make space for God, you will find rest, wisdom, and renewed strength. He longs to meet with you, to pour out His peace, and to prepare you for what’s ahead. Make room for Him today. He has everything you need to complete the mission He has designed for your life.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 20:13- 16
13 Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot.
14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene.
15 We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus.
16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.
Journal:
- When was the last time I set aside quiet time just to be with God without distractions?
- What keeps me from spending time alone with Him consistently?
- What do I need to talk with God about today that is weighing on my heart?
- How can I make my quiet time with God a consistent part of my daily schedule?
The Daily Dose 