5 Benefits for Taking a Midlife Spiritual Retreat

Does taking time for a midlife spiritual retreat make sense? I have a midlife friend whose business requires him to conduct early morning presentations which lead to late night deal negotiations. He keeps this kind of schedule for several days a week traveling to cities around the U.S. His daily routine is so unwieldy that he regrets not having more time with God. We talked about the benefits of stepping back from a crazy calendar for a spiritual retreat. It may seem overwhelming to add one more thing to a packed schedule, but you'd be surprised at how small actions can lead to big leaps in regaining lost ground with the Lord. Here's a definition of the kind of spiritual retreat we're talking about: A spiritual retreat is an intentional break in your schedule to meet with God. It can be for any length of time during the day or night and take place in any location. There are many benefits of a spiritual retreat, but here are five that come to mind:

1. Being in the presence of Jesus is life-changing. When Jesus spoke to the woman at the well (Jn. 4:10) He said "I will give you living water." Her entire village was  also transformed when they met with Jesus. "Many more believed because of His word...It is no longer because of what you (woman at the well) said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world." (Jn. 4:41-42)
2. Spending time with God brings spiritual renewal. God tells us in Isaiah that He will provide life-giving waters in the parched places of our life. "Rivers on the bare heights...springs in the midst of valleys...pools of water in the wilderness...fountains of water in the dry land." (Is. 41:18)
3. Spending time with God brings spiritual rest. God continues in Isaiah to explain how He offers us shade (spiritual rest) in the heat of the desert. "Cedar in the wilderness with...the Acacia, Myrtle and Olive Tree...Juniper in the desert with...the Box Tree and Cypress." (Is. 41:19) These seven trees were prized in the Old Testament.  Finding one in the desert often meant the difference between life and death. The Acacia was called "the Bedouin's best friend" for its many medicinal qualities, sap and fodder for animals.
4. Slowing down helps us hear what God is saying. God is speaking to us all the time. I used to think He was silent and distant. How wrong I was! I just couldn't hear or see what He was doing because I lacked sensitivity to His presence. Taking time on a spiritual retreat helps us tune in to Him is ways we can't during our busy day.
5. Taking action on what God impressed on our heart helps us grow in our faith. God is the master communicator. When you make time for Him, study His word and pray, there will come ideas and impressions that He gives you. It's also good to have a journal to write it down for followup later.

It is surprising how a spiritual retreat with God can be so renewing to our faith. It can start in small steps beginning with five or ten minutes. Over time, it can grow much longer as it becomes a core necessity to coping with life's pressures! The most important thing is to begin! I'd greatly value hearing about your experiences on a spiritual retreat.