But word of him only spread further, and great crowds flocked to hear him and be healed of their illnesses. But he himself often retired to deserted places and prayed. Luke 5, 15 - 16

The text is about when Jesus healed a leper and told him not to talk about it. Nevertheless, word spread. It wasn't as easy to be Jesus anymore, and to meet individuals the way he really wanted to. Not when the headlines were so big. "Everyone" wanted to deal with him. He became even more dependent on retreating to pray.

I read this recently and was left thinking. Do I have any "deserted places"? Where do I retreat to in order to pray? To hear from God when everyday life gets too much, and too confusing?

I don't have chaos in my life for the same reasons as Jesus. But I have enough distractions in my everyday life. I need some "deserted places", too.

I found that I have some such deserted places. And I recommend it to you too. Not because it's particularly Christian to have fixed places. But because it can sometimes help us to have something fixed. Therefore, I would encourage you also to think about what are your deserted places. Where can you retreat and just be with Him? For three minutes, ten minutes, or for a few hours?

I want to tell you about some of my deserted places. Maybe it can inspire someone?

My good chair. I have a permanent place where I keep my Bible. I can easily find peace there for a few minutes in the morning so I can read at least a few verses before the day really gets going. But what I discovered while thinking about this deserted place is that that chair is more important than I realized. A few weeks ago, when I had a tidy-up at home, and boxes and things were left in that chair for several days, I didn't get this morning session. I didn't quite know what to do with myself. I couldn't realize that I could take the Bible with me and sit somewhere else. Reading the Bible wasn't automatic, but reading in that chair was. The key is that the chair is free all the time, then I can do it! At least more often.

Out for a walk in nature. What a joy to meet God out in the open. Whether on a beach in the midnight sun, or on quiet paths along the sea or in the forest. There I find peace in the midst of turmoil, and sometimes He is extra noticeably present.

In the car. I can't count how many times God has met me in the car. Preferably on a long trip. Preferably while driving through beautiful scenery, but it's not a must. Nor does it happen on demand. Often completely unexpected. I don't know where to start if I were to give examples. That might have to be a separate post.

What are your deserted places? Where can you retreat to meet God? If Jesus needed it, then I think we need it too.

- Ingfrid Mundal, Bodø 29/02-24

Photo: Mette Vestberg Sørensen

If Jesus needed it, then I think we need it too.