Saturday July 18th: When God calls us to withdraw

“But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place…”

Matthew 12:14-21

When Jesus realised that after healing a man’s shriveled hand on the Sabbath, the Pharisees plotted to kill Him, He “withdrew from that place.” It seems obvious! Who stays where they are not wanted, especially when others seek to destroy them? This set me thinking about the persons, places, activities, and mindsets that we know can harm, or even slowly kill, our souls, but which we continue to entertain.

Since my teenage years, I have had a friend with whom much of our conversation centred around complaining about life and gossiping about others. As I have grown older, wiser, and more aware of God’s blessings, I find myself complaining less. Bit by bit, I realise we now have less to talk about. Though I try to guide our conversations toward gratitude, I am beginning to ask whether this may be the time to ‘withdraw from the friendship.’

Are we open to discerning when God is calling us to withdraw in order to protect our souls? Are we brave enough to pull away? Today, let us reflect on the places, persons, activities, and mindsets that threaten our spiritual health.