Life's Rejuvenation Station

Below is passage from Simple Living for you.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

The world retreat might bring to mind a vintage Hollywood war movie. In the din of the battlefield, the officer desires to maximize the possibility for success. Signaling for the bugle to be sounded, the officer leads his troops back from the battle into safety. He has ordered a strategic retreat to make new plans.

There are times when you also need to retreat to rest and plan strategy. Scheduling regular personal retreats is a proactive step that allows to evaluate activities, refocus on priorities, plan, and recharge. You first take stock of what condition you are already in, and you reflect. You then establish a plan to develop needed skills and strength and make practical plans to strengthen any areas of weakness. You spend time in prayer and Bible study, getting acquainted with how others have faced challenges in the past. When the day comes to put your plan into action, the challenge is much easier than it would have been had you not prepared yourself.

Before Jesus tackled the challenge of his ministry on earth, he retreated to the desert for forty days. Through fasting and prayer, Jesus was mentally and spiritually prepared to face the temptations he encountered there, as well as ready to begin the most difficult three years of his life. Throughout his ministry, he continued to make smaller retreats as needed.

You don't have to fast for forty days to take a personal retreat. Setting aside at least a two-hour block of time every month and one full day a year for prayerful reflection and planning should be adequate to help you get in shape for the relational, vocational, physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges that may lie ahead.

A retreat is a time to reflect on the past and plan for the future. Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Dream big dreams. With God's guidance, make a game plan.

One Final Thought
Regular retreats will give you the strength you need to charge ahead with confidence.

Thought for Simply Living
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8

A humble knowledge of oneself is a surer road to God than a deep searching of the sciences. Thomas A Kempis

God gives me strength for the battle. He makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer. He helps me stand on the highest places. He trains my hands to fight every battle. My arms can bend a bow of bronze. Lord, you are like a shield that keeps me safe. You help me win the battle. You bend down to make me great. 2 Samuel 22:33-36

My great concern is not whether God is on our side, my great concern is the be on God's side. Abraham Lincoln

Remember...
- A retreat is a spiritual tool for preparing to meet a challenge.
- God and the Bible make the best mirror for personal reflection.
- A retreat affords an excellent opportunity to reflect on the past and plan for the future.
- God can only be our refuge if we choose to retreat to his presence.

Simplify...
Write down whatever God reveals to you so you can review it during future times of retreat.
Treat time for our personal retreat just as we would any other appointment - schedule it in advance and postpone only if necessary.
Let silence play a part in our retreat and wait patiently in expectation to hear from God.

Go off, find a place alone, and listen to the Lord. Todd Wetzel

Source: Simple Living For You