When my children were little, I created a quiet time for myself each afternoon during their naps. Even now, as a mother of a teenager and two tweens, I still take an afternoon quiet time in my hiding place with God.

I go up to my bedroom, change into comfy clothes, take off my jewelry, and shut the blinds. I lay in bed sometimes with my sleeping mask on, sometimes with my eyes open. I block out the day’s hustle and bustle and I lay still in God’s presence.

Today I had a small envelope of time for quiet, right before heading back into town again this evening. I used that time to pray honest prayers, recounting my day with God. I was honest with him, saying things I can’t say out loud to others, pouring out my frustrations to the One who knows me best.

Then I drifted off to sleep for maybe ten minutes. I felt refreshed from the quick nap, but even more refreshed from being myself in my hiding place with God.

Jesus needed time in his hiding place with God too.  In Matthew 14:23, we learn that he drew away from the crowds and even from his disciples to spend time only with his Father. I find this passage encouraging, because as powerful and perfect as Jesus was, he still needed to draw away and be himself with God sometimes.

Your hiding place with God can be anywhere you like. Your bedroom, car, closet or bathroom (I’m looking at you, moms of young ones) can be a hiding place. You can make a walk through the woods a hiding place, or use headphones and sunglasses to create a hiding place on your commute. Be creative!

Do you hide away with God every day? One of my friends enjoys time with God during her morning bath. Another friend focuses on evening prayers. I like to enter a hiding place with God in the early mornings, before anyone else rises. We all have certain times of day that work better than others. What is your best time of day to hide away with God?

If you don’t withdraw to a hiding place with God regularly, what is stopping you? Can you rearrange your schedule to make it happen at least once this week? You’ll find greater peace by hiding away with him, even for just a few minutes per day.

What do you hope to gain from your hiding place with God?  If there’s one thing I always gain from my hidden time with God, it’s peace.  Today I had greater peace when I unburdened myself to God, who can handle my problems without being negatively affected.