From Jeffrey R. Holland’s book: ‘For Times of Trouble’. . . Referring to:
Psalm 11:1
In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, flee as a bird to your mountain?
Sometimes when life is complex and demanding, we simply need to “get away.” This is not to be confused with “run away,” but it is to go physically, if possible, in any case spiritually, mentally and emotionally—to a mountain or some other favorite place of renewal. Sometimes we need to fly like a bird, and in so doing find the freedom to regroup and renew. Then we can return to the fray with stronger faith and greater hope, renewed vigor for the battle of life.
Jesus did this as often as possible. When crowds were too great on the sea shore, He would put out in a boat and cross to the other side of the Lake. When the bustle—and often hostility—of Jerusalem was too great, He would retreat to His beloved Galilee. When the throngs in the street or the market place were too great, He would “flee as a bird” to His mountain.
And when he had sent multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 58
And again: When it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that they should not depart from them.59
And again: And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed,
And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.60
And again: They were filled with madness; and communed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in a prayer to God.61
Life is demanding. Our days are complex. People’s needs are great. We are expected to fight a good fight. That is our purpose and duty. But to do so we need renewal physically, we need refreshment spiritually, and we need peace emotionally. To do so we need time with God and ourselves. We need solitude. We need strength that fleeing as a bird to our holy mountain will provide. ~ Jeffrey R. Holland, For Times of Trouble (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2012) 37-38
