The Quiet place

A man full of Leprosy had just been healed. Report was going around concerning Jesus all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So Jesus often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed." -Luke 5:12-16

At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him. Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. When they found Him, they said to Him, "Everyone is looking for You." But He said to them, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth."-Mark 1:32-38

I see from the above passages of scripture, that the secret to the abundant life is walking in submission to the Father's will. But how to find it? Only in the quiet place of communion with God the Father. May we spend much time there, in prayer, and in the hearing of His Word. May we heed the example of Mary in Luke 10:38-42,

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." 

There is a place of quiet rest,

near to the heart of God,

a place where sin cannot molest,

near to the heart of God.

O Jesus, blest Redeemer,

sent from the heart of God,

hold us, who wait before thee,

near to the heart of God.

There is a place of comfort sweet,

near to the heart of God,

a place where we our Savior meet,

near to the heart of God.

There is a place of full release,

near to the heart of God,

a place where all is joy and peace,

near to the heart of God. 

-Cleland Boyd McAfee (1903)