To deepen our faith, we need time and space. Making room externally and internally in our lives allows us to focus, reflect, and nurture our spiritual growth. Scriptures teach us that Jesus Christ often withdrew from the crowds to take time to pray to His Father in Heaven.
Will the time and space we used for prayers, fasting, and almsgiving of the Lenten Season remain with us in the days ahead? Will we continue to cultivate these practices of faith? Or will we eventually go back to our regular, oftentimes busy, routines following Holy Week and the celebration of Easter?
One simple way to create space for faith is by establishing a prayer corner in our homes. This dedicated area in the home can serve as a gentle reminder to pause and connect spiritually, encouraging a routine of prayer and meditation. Also consider what time of day we feel most at peace; try to pause in those moments for quiet reflection or prayer.
Quiet Delight
Pausing for quiet time with the Lord reminds me of Martha and Mary in the Bible. Mary sat beside Jesus at His feet to listen to Him while Martha was busy serving. I tend to be like Martha, but I am learning to appreciate Mary. “Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her,” said Jesus to Martha [Luke 10:42].
Truly, rest and listen to the Lord in prayer. “Find your delight in the LORD who will give you your heart’s desire” [Psalm 37:4]. Beyond setting aside time and physical space, cultivating inner stillness enables us to find that joy and satisfaction lie in our relationship with God which aligns our heart with His.
Let us rejoice in our Lord as our Lord rejoices in each of us. “The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior, who will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love” [Zephaniah 3:17]. Quieted by His love refreshes us for the journey ahead.
“Lead me in the path of your commandments, for that is my delight. Direct my heart toward your testimonies, and away from gain. Avert my eyes from what is worthless; by your way give me life” [Psalm 119:35–37].
Within Us God Works
Scripture also encourages us to trust in God’s timing. God fulfills His promises at the right time and assures us that He renews our strength as we wait on Him. Remember, the Lord is patient with each of us, “not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” [2 Peter 3:9].
As we trust God’s timing and embrace stillness within us, we open ourselves to His patient guidance, which leads us toward repentance and renewal. We experience an inner peace that transforms our lives. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you,” said Jesus to His disciples during the Last Supper [John 14:27].
With the Lord’s peace in our hearts, may the Holy days ahead inspire us to use our time and space to sit beside our Lord and listen. In the stillness, the greatness of God’s love comes to each of us. Let it be so!
