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Jesus' words echo in my ear, "Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest" (Mark 6:31).

As His disciples, do we respond to Jesus' invitation? Do we long to hear His voice—to hear Christ call us to Himself? If our answer is yes, then we need to remind ourselves that it begins with being still and knowing that He is God (Ps. 46:10).

Rest is something we try defiantly to live without in our daily lives, and our empty hearts and threadbare joy offers testimony to this glaring disparity. Rest is a gift that refuels, renews, refreshes.

Everyday life batters our souls. Weighty responsibilities at work. Frazzled relationships. Looming deadlines. Today's modern pace of life does not orient us to the things of God. The missing ingredient is, simply and profoundly, rest.

A rested soul alters your attitude about everything—from purpose and pleasure to pressures and problems. Because of this, I attempt to carve out regular extended getaways to be alone with the heavenly Father. Sometimes I get away for a full day. Occasionally it's an overnight adventure. I no longer work at a church, and taking a full day is even more challenging now with my responsibilities at home. But I have discovered that two to three hours alone on a Sunday afternoon is enough time for me to meet the Lord, face to face, in a way that centers my soul and redirects my gaze—off me and onto Him.

These are precious hours for me. I do not have to do anything. I do not have to accomplish anything. I do not have to produce, poke, prod, or provide anything for anyone. I can just be. I listen. I rest. I read. I journal. I hike. I go into each hour with no expectations. I follow no agenda, yet each time God tenderly and passionately renews my mind and refreshes my soul. Sometimes God offers an explosion of insight, other times His presence is like a gentle breeze. Each time away is unique.

But we resist! We wait for a quieter season to arrive, a season that will never transpire. We drag our feet, forfeiting this gift and making it a burden—another item to add to our overloaded to-do list. There is hope, however. We do not need to be paralyzed by our fears.

Over the years I've made three discoveries about extended time alone with God. These discoveries have removed many self-imposed roadblocks—for me and for others.

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