Thoughts on life, love and seeking God’s presence

by Robin Gray

Quieting the Chaos

Life can be extremely hectic sometimes.  I used to get in my car and drive down to the beach when I felt overwhelmed.  I needed to quiet my thoughts and still my mind, and there is power in silence when the noise of life gets too confusing. A few years ago I discovered a new passion in kayaking. So when life becomes too much for me I will often take my kayak down to a local river or bay and spend a few hours alone on the water.  It never ceases to inspire, amaze and rejuvenate me. I call those afternoons alone my “God days.” Those are the moments when I feel my soul most empty and thirsty, and desperate to hear the whisper of God in a world where his voice is often drowned out by the chaos.

Breath of God in the Solitary Places

Even Jesus sought time with his Father alone in prayer on many occasions during his ministry.  Mark 1:35 tells us that “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”   And Luke confirms that he “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16). In moments of personal grief, he sought to be alone in prayer (Matthew 14:13) and in moments of internal struggle, even though he asked his disciples to remain near, Jesus met one on one with his Father in the Garden of Gethsemane.

There is something to be said about the nearness of God in the absence of other voices.  There is peace in the eye of the storm and calm in the chaos when we seek out those “solitary places” that Jesus himself was rather partial to.  And I wonder if our spirits don’t seek out these places of quiet and solitude because God is calling to us to walk with him in the “cool of the day,” much like he called to the first man in the first garden.  

From the Hebrew language, the word “cool” is derived from the word “ruwach,” meaning wind or breath.  And that aptly describes my personal excursions on my kayak or at the beach when nobody else is near.  I need to feel the wind of the Spirit, the breath of God on my face in my very own solitary place.  

And what does God require of me?

Just a willingness to seek him out…

Sea Solitude

When heartache comes to bring me low,

I let life pass me by.

And seek a spot of sandy earth

Beneath a moonlit sky.

I drink in all the ocean’s life

As far as sight can reach,

And feel my draining strength reborn

Upon an empty beach.

I feel the breezing, salty breath

Soon dry my tear stained face,

And sense majestic all around

The presence of God’s grace.

And in my quiet pondering, 

I know no need to prove.

And almost see the Spirit’s hand

Upon the waters move.

So if the wild and stormy sea

Must obey his command,

How small life’s little heartaches are

When left in God’s great hand…

                               — Robin Gray

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