“ But the weather changed abruptly, and a wind of typhoon strength (called a “northeaster”) burst across the island and blew us out to sea… The next day, as gale-force winds continued to batter the ship, the crew began throwing the cargo overboard. … The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone.” – Acts 27:14-19.

Most people have been asked at some point whether they want to hear the good news or the bad news. Most people prefer to hear bad news before good news. This allows them to address the unpleasant information upfront and conclude on a positive note. Nobody wants to hear only bad news.

There is both good and bad news in the story about Paul found in Acts 27-28. The news is good initially, as Paul was going to leave for Rome after waiting for several years. Then there is some bad news in the form of a major storm. Then there was worse news as they sailed for days with no sun, no food, and no hope. Then there was good news: an angel came to Paul to tell him he was still going to get to Rome and that no one would lose their life. So Paul said to the crew, “So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said. But we will be shipwrecked on an island” (Acts 27:25-26).

So why does God give us 44 verses to tell this story? One possible reason is to remind us He is sovereign. What He does often doesn’t make sense to us, nor does He do things the way we would. But that’s what makes Him God. Yet God is in this story and is in total control of everything, especially the things that don’t make sense.

Let’s look more closely at this “good news, bad news” story. After a long season of waiting, Paul was finally on his way to Rome. This shouldn’t surprise us, because God had told him he would go there. Paul’s confidence in God’s promise was strong, but as usual for him, the process wasn’t an easy one. This story should remind us that what we might see as bad news—difficult and discouraging things—is often the very means God uses to eventually encourage us as we see Him working things out in our lives.

The storm they encountered was bad. We may not have the same type of storms. Day after day went by, and they couldn’t even tell light from darkness. It is hard to imagine what that was like.  Of course, they were discouraged. They were finally heading to the destination God had called them to, to stand before Caesar in Rome, but a trip that should have taken about four or five weeks took four months, with all kinds of twists and turns where things didn’t go their way.

The greatest gift we’ve been given in the face of trials is faith. When problems are staring us head-on, it’s hard to see around them to the beneficial outcome God intends. To face trials as God intends, we must have faith. We must believe that God has a useful outcome in mind, despite the trial being hard. We must have faith that God will guide us through every problem that stands in our way and instill in us a steadfastness that enables us to experience an abundant life.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you react to bad news? How does trusting in God help you cope with bad news?
2. How can you be a source of strength and hope for those who are facing difficult times? 

  “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” – 2 Corinthians 3:18.

The glory of God is a term frequently used in the Bible, but it can be difficult to comprehend fully. What is the glory of God? And what does it mean to glorify Him in our everyday lives? And more importantly, how do I see God’s glory?   

Although we have seen some of God’s glory in the earth, and others have had more of a direct experience with God’s grace, we certainly haven’t seen God’s full glory because, as mere creatures, we couldn’t handle the full weight of His glory. A case in point is found in Exodus 33:18 where Moses ask God to “…please show me your glory.”Moses wasn’t asking for a mere glimpse; he was asking to see God–to see Him for everything He is. To see all the attributes of God– His greatness, His splendor, His majesty, His perfect holiness, His goodness. God responded by saying “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live” (Exodus 33:20).

Defining the glory of God is impossible because God’s glory lives above and beyond any type of description or definition. The answer is as infinite as God’s glory itself, so the question can never be answered exhaustively. Now, when Isaiah 6:3 says that one angel is crying to another, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts,” the next thing he says is this: “The whole earth is filled with his . . . ” People could guess that the next word would be “holiness,” but he doesn’t say that. He says, “glory.”  2 Corinthians 4:6 says, “For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” Hebrews 1:3 adds, “The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven”

The scriptures tell us: ”[He] has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? … all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket. [to Him] …[He] spreads out the heavens like a curtain and makes his tent from them” (Isaiah 40: 12, 15, 22). The prophet attempts to give God’s glory some scale through word pictures. Still, even these very picturesque and helpful descriptions fall miserably short of capturing the awesome glory of God. God’s glory encompasses the greatness, beauty, and perfection of all He is. He is beyond our ability to estimate, understand, or describe.

God’s glory will be revealed in a beautiful and powerful way in the New Jerusalem. Listen to how the Bible describes the glory of God in heaven. Speaking of the New Jerusalem that will come at the end of all things, John says in Revelation 21:23, “And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light.”  The glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb (Jesus Christ) serves as its light, rendering the sun and moon unnecessary. This verse highlights God’s all-encompassing presence and the transformative power of His glory in the eternal state.

Discussion Questions:

1. The definition of glorifying God is to honor Him through our lives, demonstrating His splendor, love, and perfection, and showing that His presence is evident in us. In what ways does the believer do this in everyday life? Agree or disagree and why?
2. What can we do this week to glorify God? 

“Inside the Tent of Meeting, the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Afterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, would remain behind in the Tent of Meeting.” – Exodus 33:1.

FaceTime is an application, or app, for making video and voice calls over the internet. It’s great for keeping in touch if you and most of your friends and family use devices from Apple. Can we do the same thing with God? In essence, “FaceTime with God” is a modern way of expressing the timeless desire for a personal relationship with the Lord, characterized by prayer, reflection, and a willingness to encounter God’s presence in one’s life.

There are a few people in history who have experienced the remarkable reality of seeing and experiencing more of God than others. One of them was Moses.  Exodus 33:11 says, “the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” Just like with human relationships, this relationship didn’t happen overnight. In Exodus 3 and 4, we read of God igniting this relationship through the burning bush. Despite God’s display of power and authority, Moses gave reasons why he couldn’t lead the Hebrews from captivity. But, as the exodus of God’s people progresses, Moses becomes more and more intimate with God, to the point where he finds himself “face to face” with God regularly.

Let that sink in. God spoke with Moses face to face. He related and interacted with Moses in a vocal form. Moses spent significant time with the LORD, inquiring from Him on what to do, and listening to Him regarding the people of Israel. It’s the kind of intimate relationship that develops over time, and it’s tested through trials of life, and Moses experienced more than his share of trials.

Time with God is important – and most certainly not another “thing” on the to-do list. Like any relationship, if we genuinely want to know that person, we make the effort. God is always with us. Our relationship with God is the key to moving beyond knowing about God to knowing Him personally. It’s the key to living a spirit-led, fruitful, and holy life that pleases God.  And ultimately, it’s part of the process through which we’re transformed and become more like Him.

Spending time face-to-face with God will change your life. It is an essential part of a Christian’s life. It’s a time when you can rest in His presence, read His Word, and speak to Him in prayer. But the idea of connecting with God can be challenging. But, what a difference would it make if we aggressively seek the face of Jesus? One day, it will happen physically, and it won’t be a dream or a hope. God promises in 1 Corinthians 13:12-13, which says,  “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 

FaceTime with God can help us develop a devotional focus on creating a close, personal relationship with God through prayer, reflection, and spending time in His presence. This practice emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s face, trusting His timing, and allowing Him to transform our hearts and lives.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does the phrase “FaceTiming with God” suggest? What kind of intimacy or connection does it evoke in a relationship with God?
2. How does the idea of seeing God’s “face” in a personal and direct way, similar to a FaceTime call, compare to or differ from other ways of conceptualizing connecting with God (e.g., prayer, Bible study, worship)?

“Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.” – Psalm 15.

There’s nothing quite like the presence of the Lord. We read in the Bible of prophets, disciples, and followers of Christ who have experienced God’s presence, and hear stories of God’s presence in people’s lives ranging from dramatic miracles to subtle, yet impactful, moments of guidance and comfort. But there is nothing like experiencing the presence of God in your life.

Spending time in God’s presence is essential to the Christian journey. Spending time in God’s presence requires discipline and desire. Everything within you must desire to be with Him. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”

Psalm 15 serves as a clear reminder that we can never achieve acceptance with God based on our righteousness. Psalm 15 calls us to abandon our righteousness because Christ is our righteousness. He lived on our behalf. He achieved the righteousness that we could not achieve on our own. Christ purchased our righteousness, and He paid our penalty.

In Psalm 15, David asks the question of who can live where God lives. Throughout this psalm, David lists different things that are required of the person who lives where God is. The first part sums it up in that the person must be blameless and righteous. The rest of the verses give direct examples of what that means.

All over the world, there are people who are asking the same question that David asked. They want to know how they can live where God lives, how they can dwell in His presence.  So, how do we encounter the presence of God? How do we experience his nearness? Encountering God is similar to encountering another person. We don’t seek an experience with a friend; rather, we seek to know them by spending time with them and gain an experience as a result. The more we know them, the more we recognize their voice.

Timothy Keller said, “To stand in the presence of God, that is what the Gospel is. The Gospel is not primarily about forgiveness. It’s not primarily about good feelings. It’s not primarily about power. All those things are byproducts, sparks. It’s mainly about the presence of God.”

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you understand the concept of God’s presence? Is it a feeling, a location, a relationship, or something else entirely? 
2. In what ways have you experienced God’s presence in your life? What are some common obstacles that prevent people from recognizing or experiencing God’s presence? 

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard” – Psalm 19:1-3.

Periodically, we all need a respite from everyday life. We can benefit from spending time alone in nature with the Lord. This is why so many great writers, poets, and songwriters have spent time in nature. Nature allows us to realign, readjust, and reacquaint ourselves with God. God’s creation affords us a chance to think, contemplate, reflect, and pray. Nature is a reflection of God and is a testament to His power, creativity, and love.

One of the most compelling reasons people are drawn to the Emerald Coast is its natural beauty, characterized by pristine white sand beaches and clear, emerald-green waters. Beyond the beaches, the area boasts unique coastal dune lakes, picturesque dunes, and charming coastal towns. The Emerald Coast, like so many beautiful places around the world, is a tremendous gift from God.

It is said that an artist creates from the beauty within. Similarly, the beauty of the natural world reveals the beauty of the God who created it. Nature can be seen as a silent preacher.  Everything from the tiniest insect to the most majestic mountain, indeed all created things, demonstrates the unity and harmony of God’s wonderful creation. The beauty we see in nature all came from God and was perfectly and intentionally designed by Him and Him alone.

The solitude of time spent in nature offers us an opportunity for prayer and meditation, free from the distractions of daily life. We can focus our minds and hearts on God. Jesus Himself often withdrew to lonely places to pray. He gave us an example to follow. In these quiet moments, we can pour out our hearts to God, seek His guidance, and listen for His voice. Spending quiet time in nature may be all you need to begin feeling closer to God.

God’s gifts to us are never-ending. His presence can be seen and felt anywhere. Our planet is filled with creation that reflects God’s character, creativity, and His ultimate design.

Job 12:7-10 tells us, “Just ask the animals, and they will teach you. Ask the birds of the sky, and they will tell you. Speak to the earth, and it will instruct you.  Let the fish in the sea speak to you. For they all know that my disaster has come from the hand of the Lord. For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being”.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the beauty and intricacy of the natural world point to God’s creative power and design? 
2. How can spending time in nature help us feel closer to God and experience His presence? 
3. What specific aspects of nature (e.g., a sunset, a mountain range, a tiny flower) particularly resonate with your sense of God’s presence?

“The Bible is a vein of pure gold, unalloyed by quartz or any earthly substance. This is a star without a speck; a sun without a blot; a light without darkness; a moon without its paleness; a glory without a dimness. O Bible! It cannot be said of any other book that it is perfect and pure; but of thee we can declare all wisdom is gathered up in thee, without a particle of folly. This is the judge that ends the strife, where wit and reason fail. This is the book untainted by any error; but is pure, unalloyed, perfect truth.” — Charles Spurgeon.

“What is your most valuable possession?” Immediately, your mind may scroll through a balance sheet that lists all of your possessions. If you are like most people, you may consider your home, business, or investment portfolio to be your most valuable assets. There are many possible answers, such as family heirlooms, photographs, and life in general, but would the Bible make the list?

People go to great lengths to access and read the Bible, including overcoming physical and political barriers. Owning, printing, importing, or distributing the Word of God in hostile or restricted nations can result in being arrested or even killed. Governments and groups opposed to Christianity impose harsh penalties and deadly punishment in attempts to stop evangelism and Bible distribution. Individuals and organizations smuggle Bibles into countries where they are banned or restricted, often facing significant risks in the process. In countries with strict internet censorship, individuals may use technology, including VPNs and encrypted communication, to access online versions of the Bible or to share digital copies.

The writer of Psalm 119 says that the Word of God has more value to him “than millions in gold and silver” (119:72). He even says that “My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions” (119:109). Do we speak about the Bible in such terms?

The Bible is a tool given by God to help individuals develop a personal relationship with Him. Through studying the Bible, individuals can gain insight into God’s nature, His will, and His plan for humanity, thereby fostering a deeper connection and understanding of Him. While the Bible wasn’t written to you (we’re not the original audience), the Bible itself says it was written for you. The authors of Scripture made it clear that God was speaking to them and through them—more than 3,000 times they said, “Thus saith the Lord” or its equivalent. And because “God inspires all Scripture ” (2 Timothy 3:16), when you open these pages and read these words, you can do it with the confidence that this is God’s message for and to us.

In summary, the Bible is the inspired Word of God, a source of truth, and a guide for living a righteous life. It is a source of wisdom, comfort, and strength, and a means of encountering God. What can be more valuable than that?

Discussion Questions:

1. What value do you place on the Bible, and how does that value manifest in your daily life? 
2. Why is the Bible considered the most precious thing we can hold?
   

  “Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian.” If this is true, many of us are living the Christian life without the fullness of the complete Word of God. There are 66 books in the Bible, yet most adults gravitate to only a handful. If we truly believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, then we must prioritize reading all of the Scripture.” —AW. Tozer.

Have you ever found yourself flipping through your Bible, reading a verse here and a chapter there, but feeling like you’re missing the bigger picture? You’re not alone.  Individual passages of the Bible hold great power and can profoundly impact a person’s life, leading to personal growth and transformation, but we should not limit our Bible study to the “usual suspects” of familiar passages.

God did not give us just some books of the Bible, or parts of some books. He gave us 66 entire books because the whole of Scripture can be a place where we encounter God. A large portion of the Bible is completed before we reach the book of Matthew. It might seem prudent to focus on the Gospels to meet with Jesus. Many of our Bibles are far more well-thumbed in the New Testament and, perhaps, Isaiah and the Psalms — the most obviously Jesus-centered parts of Scripture. Some parts of the Bible seem a little too gory and some a little too graphic (Song of Songs).

Think about a mystery novel. We are presented with a seemingly unrelated set of events and characters. One of the characters is involved in this crime, but which one is it? And how? As we navigate through the novel, we find ourselves suspecting one person after another. But just when uncertainty starts to set in, we are given a vital clue.  And then another. And with a smile, we now see past all the red herrings and blind alleys and know who the villain is. We close the book with a smile and mentally say, “Of course — it all makes sense!”

Now, imagine going back to the book for a second time. Returning to the first page, we already know how the entire story will unfold. When we first meet the murderer, we know he is the murderer. At the first mention of a vital clue, we already know its significance. We see the hints that we missed before. The book has fundamentally changed, for we now have the bigger picture. The story still unwinds along the same course; the detective still reaches the same conclusions. But our reading is so different. Events and remarks we hadn’t noticed the first time take on a fresh significance. Characters emerge in a new light. We have seen behind the curtain. What if we could read Scripture in this way?

Reading the entire Bible, as opposed to select chapters or verses, offers significant benefits: Reading the Bible as a whole reveals God’s character, purposes, and plan of salvation from Genesis to Revelation. You’ll see how the Old Testament points to Jesus and how the New Testament fulfills those prophecies, leading to a fuller understanding of the Gospel. Reading the whole Bible allows you to see the “big picture” and understand how different books and genres fit together to tell a single, overarching story.

Discussion Questions:

1. Reading the entire Bible, from cover to cover, allows you to grasp the overarching narrative of Scripture and see how individual books and passages fit into the larger story. This helps in understanding the context of specific verses and passages, which can be missed when reading selectively. Agree or disagree, and why?
2. Do you believe reading the whole Bible will enable you to know God and yourself better? Why or why not?

“The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,  making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold.” – Psalms 19:7-10

Most people enjoy reading a good book. Reading offers a variety of benefits and pleasures, including entertainment, learning, relaxation, and the ability to explore new worlds and perspectives. The Bible is more than a good book. It is the single most important book ever written, an eyewitness account of historical events of such magnitude that they have shaped the world in which we live. Don’t be fooled by the form it has taken and the label we have given it as a book, because what makes it great is far beyond what any book can offer.

The power of Scripture lies in its ability to transform lives through the truth, guidance, and inspiration it provides. It acts as a lamp for our path, a mirror revealing our true selves, and a sword that cuts through darkness. Meditating on God’s Word and applying it to our lives brings us closer to God.

As Christ-followers, we don’t believe that we are left in the dark, wondering who God is or what He is like. We don’t have to settle for nonverbal communication. Instead, we have a God that speaks to us through Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”

The power of scripture is available to everyone. Perhaps one of the reasons that people avoid the Bible is that it is like a mirror. Often, we are reluctant to confront the truth about ourselves. The Scripture tells us, “For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.” (James 1:23-24).

However, only by reading the Bible daily will we reap its intended benefits. We cannot simply skim through our favorite passages whenever we need a pick-me-up. We must value every page and benefit from every truth we can. We need to understand the Bible and its history. We need to examine the background and context of each passage we read and meditate on it in prayer. We need to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance every time we open God’s Book.

Scripture can bring God into our lives. Imagine a life where the weight of struggles is lifted and replaced with joy. We should approach the Bible not just for information but for transformation, knowing God and desiring to obey Him because there is more here than simply ink on a page; Scripture can bring us into the presence of God, the one who put the spinning galaxies into being and whose nail-marked hands are stretched out towards us in love. Other books may speak of God, but the Bible is the primary source for understanding and connecting with God.

Discussion Questions:

1. In what ways has God’s Word impacted or changed your life? Can you think of specific examples? 
2. How does the Bible serve as a source of guidance, encouragement, and wisdom in your daily life? 
3. How does the power of scripture equip you to face challenges and overcome obstacles? 

“When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies.” – Jeremiah 15:16.

Knowing God is essential; it is more than just learning facts about Him. It’s like trying to get to know your wife by reading her resume. One relevant example is assuming you know a person and thus judging their character and competence based solely on their political party affiliation. We want to go deeper. We need to discover who God is and be drawn into a deeper, more personal relationship with the God of the universe. When you want to deepen your relationship with God, you need to move beyond head knowledge to know Him well enough to seek personal encounters with Him. Daniel 11:32 (TLB) tells us, “…But the people who know their God shall be strong and do great things.”  

John Piper said this about the subject: “But to enjoy Him, we must know him. Reasoning, thinking, knowing God is the necessary means, and delighting in, being satisfied in, enjoying and treasuring God is the ultimate end of the human soul.”

Scripture finds its focus and fulfillment in Christ. It is possible to study the Bible without Christ as our focus. Understanding Jesus through the Scriptures involves recognizing how the entire Bible, comprising both the Old and New Testaments, points to Him as the central figure of God’s plan of salvation. By studying the Bible, particularly the Gospels, and understanding how it relates to Jesus, believers can gain a deeper appreciation for His identity, His mission, and the implications for their own lives. He is not just the beginning of the Christian faith, but the entirety of it.

Jeremiah was a prophet who was called by God to minister to a people who would not heed God’s Word and rejected His holy instructions. Israel rebelled against God’s truth and treated His faithful servant poorly, but Jeremiah found hope and comfort in God’s Word. Jeremiah 15:16 is a powerful verse that speaks to the joy and delight found in God’s word.. It emphasizes the transformative power of God’s word, likening it to food that nourishes the soul and brings joy.

The purpose and power of God’s Word is for all people, at all times in every circumstance, offering life, truth, and equipping us to live fully for God.

Scripture possesses the power to reveal God’s nature, character, and will, providing a pathway for individuals to understand and connect with Him. It serves as a source of truth, guiding believers in their faith and actions, and offering hope and strength in times of difficulty. There are so many ways you can attempt to learn about Jesus in the world today, but there’s only one way to truly know Him: through the Word of God.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the Bible reveal Jesus’s character, actions, and teachings? 
2. How do specific passages deepen your understanding of who Jesus is? 
3.  How does studying scripture help you grow in your faith and relationship with Jesus? 

“Many of us live like a jar of river water that’s all shaken up. What we need is to sit still long enough that the sentiment can settle and the water can become clear. When we sit quietly, in God’s presence, the sentiment that is swirling in our souls begins to settle. ― Ruth Haley Barton, Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God’s Transforming Presence.

Our lives are consistently ongoing, some more than others. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by a packed schedule. Between work commitments, family, and personal responsibilities, finding time for yourself and your relationship with God can seem impossible. However, amidst all the chaos, it’s crucial to carve out moments of solitude to pause, reflect, and reconnect with God.

One consequence of living in an instant culture, which values fast delivery, easy accessibility, and pithy slogans, is good if we are ordering a burger, buying on Amazon Prime, or are happy to get our news from Twitter. There is, however, no such thing as “instant spirituality.” Building a deep connection with God, like any meaningful relationship, requires time and effort. A lasting and meaningful relationship with God typically requires continuous effort and commitment, as well as spending time in God’s presence. This takes time. This takes stillness. This takes solitude and silence. This involves temporarily withdrawing to a private space for spiritual reflection and contemplation. This period of solitude may last only a few minutes or several hours, but the goal remains the same: to be alone with God.

The good news is we don’t have to plan a date or place far ahead because we know exactly where God is at every moment of every day. He promised to come to us and take up residence within us. If we would just be still long enough, be quiet long enough, be alone long enough, we would find Him.

There are many benefits of reconnecting with God in solitude, one of which is being exposed to God’s wisdom. God is all-wise and all-knowing.  Acts 4:13 says that when the religious leaders saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled, and they realized that they had been with Jesus. Secondly, you can benefit from God’s perspective. God gives His people the capacity to see all of life from His vantage point. Having God’s perspective allows us to rise above the daily grind of life and the actions of others and realize there is a sovereign God who rules over His creation and directs the activities of mankind.

Lastly, we benefit from God’s guidance. God promises to guide us throughout our lives. The psalmist writes, “For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die” (Psalm 48:14). But how do we receive this guidance? Psalm 48:9 says: “meditate on your unfailing love.”

Discussion Questions:

1. What does solitude look like in your life? 
2. What are the biggest barriers to practicing solitude? 
3. How can Jesus’ example of prioritizing solitude reshape your pursuit of time alone with God?