Lonely places

The time between the Prophet Malachi and the Birth of Christ is referred to as the 'intertestamental period.'  Israel was waiting for their Messiah and yet for 400 years there was no word from God.  Sometimes I feel like the week between Christmas and New Year is like that (at least it seems like 400 years).  Everyone is suffering a post-holiday hangover, it is still the old year, work and school schedules are interrupted with the extended holiday season, the weather is usually ugly, life as we knew it is done yet the new has not yet come.  Down right depressing for the modern soul, yet it would be a perfect time to reflect upon the old year, to rest from the hectic holiday joy, and to contemplate what is to come.         The ancients called it meditation, this practice of reflecting on ourselves, on the world around us, on God.  Even Jesus sought out lonely places to pray and He is God!  How much more, in this era of technology and never ceasing interaction do we need time to sit quietly and reflect?  I know it feels like you are coming off a drug high this week, but perhaps it is time to 'be still and know,' to count your many blessings, repent of those forgotten sins, dig deep into the Word, reflect on your relationship (or lack thereof) with God, consider what this new year might bring.  Seek out that 'lonely place' and listen for 'the still, small voice.'