I enjoy going up into the mountains to get away from all the distractions that swirl around me every day. So you would have to expect that I am going to latch onto what I think may be my new favorite verse in the Bible.
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone …
Matthew 14:23 NIV
Jesus dismissed all the people (distractions), and headed up into the hills for some quiet time. And he spent the night there alone. Sounds to me very much like a solo backpacking trip / retreat. Was Jesus a backpacker? Probably not in the sense we use the word today. But it is clear that he did go up into the mountains for solitude and prayer.
I frequently go out into the mountains near my home. Sometimes for days at a time. I find it easier to focus on God when there is no internet, no books, no weeds to pull, nothing on the calendar, and no other commitments or obligations. I am solitary by nature, so I enjoy being alone. Although I am never really alone. God’s presence is always with me. My most intimate times with God happen when I am alone with him up in the mountains in prayer.
Disclaimer
The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.