As we're near the end of our week on Seeking God, today we're going to focus on seeking God in solitude.

Our world is a busy place. Our home lives are busy. Our church lives are full.

When are you ever alone to simply fix your eyes on the Father and be uninterrupted by the things going on around you.

If we will take out the discipline of solitude, our lives will look so different.

Imagine for a second the inner peace and sanity you could gain if you set aside

consistent time to seek God and solitude. May you be encouraged to do just that as you

experience the nearness of Jesus today.

Welcome to the First of Team Podcast. Our scripture for today comes from Matthew 1423. It says of Jesus and after he had

dismissed the crowds he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When

evening came he was there alone. Our world is filled with hustle and

bustle. We reward busyness as if always working, striving, and achieving were the true marks of a life well lived.

We elevate those who have given everything to gain success.

To be tired is to gain success.

To be tired is to be weak.

To be in need is to fail.

To rest instead of work is to be lazy or selfish.

As believers, we're living in a society whose values do not match that of our

Heavenly Fathers, so we need an adjustment of perspective. We are created for time spent alone with our Heavenly Father, away from the

cares and ways of the world. We are created to seek God in solitude. And Jesus modeled this important principle throughout his ministry.

Luke 5 15 through 16 says, but now even more the report about him went abroad and great crowds

gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.

Mark 135 says, and rising very early in the morning while it was still dark,

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