Counsel #2 — Purpose

Picture: Counsel #2 — PurposeCMH 84.1

The purpose of spending alone time with God is to filter out distractions so that we can better focus on God’s message to us. Time spent with God is the life of the soul. Conversation with Him gives us spiritual strength and stability and breaks the power of the evil one. This precious communion with God prepares us mentally, spiritually, and physically to carry out the duties of our day.^{[86]https://knowledge.e.southern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1105&context=main#:~:text=Times%20of%20solitude%20can%20be,be%20transformed%20through%20His%20presence.}CMH 84.2

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8 NKJVCMH 84.3

“If we keep the Lord ever before us, allowing our hearts to go out in thanksgiving and praise to Him, we shall have a continual freshness in our religious life. Our prayers will take the form of a conversation with God as we would talk with a friend. He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Often there will come to us a sweet, joyful sense of the presence of Jesus. Often our hearts will burn within us as He draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch.” Ellen White in Conflict and Courage, p. 30CMH 84.4

Reflect: Are you able to pour out your heart’s joy, heartaches, and challenges to God?CMH 84.5