Intentional Dependence - by Becky Hatfield

Every Tuesday, my husband Jake and I gladly partake in what we call Date Night. It’s a chance for us to break away from our normal routine and the busyness of life and really focus on each other. Jake and I see each other every day, but something about saying “this time is for us” really makes us get real and talk about what matters.



But last Tuesday, we actually had a Date DAY! Jake was scheduled to work that night, so we flipped our normal routine and took off in the morning for Linville Gorge. I now affectionately call it “The Grand Canyon of the South.” My jaw practically hit the rocky ledge I was standing on as I gazed out over the massive, 360 degree view around me. 

Something about those moments - when I’m standing on top of a mountain, or maybe on the rocky ocean coast hearing the waves crashing - they just get me. It’s like everything I’ve been worrying about just melts away in the awesomeness of God’s creation. These moments leave me with a fresh desire to live for Jesus and be about His Kingdom work. 

As I’ve gotten older and graduated from college, these moments have become fewer and farther between. Real life takes over... getting our to-do list done, paying bills, and the basic tasks of the day that can overwhelm us. And all these things are essential if we want to live as responsible people in this world. But if you’re like me, being intentional about taking time to get away and seek my King and adjust my perspective can seem like an unnecessary luxury. I mean, there are dishes in the sink, right?

The Scripture tells us the opposite is true. Luke 5:16 says, “And Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I am will be exalted in the earth.” These times of “getting away” shouldn’t be an excuse to escape from reality, but an opportunity to show our real need and dependence on God. 

If Jesus needed to withdraw and pray, how much more do we, as sinful men and women, need to do the same? I’ve been challenged to notice the beauty around me and thank Him for it, to show my need and dependence on God by spending intentional time with Him, and to daily put it all in perspective. God is on His throne and the little things that get me down are usually not worth my brain space. 


Just like Jake and I  intentionally spend time together (outside of our normal routine) on our date night, being on that mountain has helped me realize I need to do the same with my Savior.


I would like to ask our readers: how do you intentionally "withdraw" like Jesus did?  What often gets in your way of deep communion with God?