Delight in the Father
““As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:9-11
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16
Ultimately, Jesus withdrew not just for strength but for joy in His Father’s presence.
John records Jesus saying, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you… I have told you this so that my joy may be in you” (John 15:9-11).
Solitude invites us to delight in God, enjoying Him for who He is. As we rest in His love, we find fullness of joy that overflows into every part of life.
“If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire: if you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them. They are not a sort of prize which God could, if he chose, just hand out to anyone.” C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Our union with God comes through our relationship with Jesus. When we abide with Jesus – His life becomes ours.
Question to ponder: What is your plan for finding solitude to be with Jesus?
