Family Talk Night Light for Parents

Our Great Example

Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35

A crowd, more than two hundred strong, waited patiently in the sun on the dusty outskirts of Capernaum. One shouted, “I hear He gives sight to the blind!” Another called back, “He healed my leprosy!” A few, however, grew restless. One large man approached the small camp where His followers were staying. “Where is this Jesus?” the man demanded. “We are tired of waiting.”

One of the followers stood and addressed the man in a soft voice. “He will come when it is time. He is in prayer.”

We don’t really know all that transpired and what was said when crowds gathered during Jesus’ ministry. But we do know that Jesus frequently sought spiritual renewal and rest. We are told, for instance, that “after [Jesus] had dismissed [the crowd], he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray” (Matthew 14:23). Scripture also says that “crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:15–16).

If Jesus, for whom anything was possible, chose repeatedly in the midst of His great teaching to withdraw to quiet places for prayer and rest, how much more do we need to do the same? You’ll be a more effective parent—and a better example to your kids—when you imitate the perfect ways of Christ.

Before you say good night…

How often do you spend even a few minutes of quiet time with God?

Could you make a commitment to do this daily for the next week?

Lord, how foolish to think we could be wise and caring parents in our own strength! How we need more and more of You—Your perspective, Your power, and Your peace. Show us how and where to find time alone with You. Amen.

• From Night Light For Parents, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson
  Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved.