Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Devotionals by J.M. Farro


Jesus 'Withdrew'


"Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the people heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities. When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick." - Matthew 14:13-14 NASB

There are two words in a verse of Scripture that have given me a unique kind of comfort and reassurance in difficult and painful times. Matthew 14:13 (NASB) says, "[Jesus] withdrew." The reason why He did this is as important to me as the act of His withdrawing. The Savior had just gotten word of John the Baptist's execution. The Lord's strong personal emotions caused Him to withdraw from His normal routine and from others.

Scripture reveals that it's perfectly okay - and perhaps, even healthy - for us to withdraw for a time when we suffer personal loss or disappointment. We can take this time apart from others to pour our hearts out to the Lord, to pray, to read and meditate on God's Word, and to receive the kind of comfort and healing that only Christ can give.

But the next verse in this passage reveals that after a time of withdrawal and seclusion, we need to compassionately remember and reach out to those whom the Lord puts in our path to minister to. Our acts of compassion are just as important to our healing as our act of withdrawing.

If you are hurting today, I encourage you to withdraw for a while from your regular routine and the people around you. Allow the Lord to personally minister to you for a time, so that you can go back out into the world, and minister the love and truth of God to others in a greater way than ever before!

Prayer: Lord, when I suffer a loss or disappointment of any kind, help me to withdraw from my normal routine and from others, and to spend some time alone with You. Show me how to draw on Your strength and wisdom. Comfort me as only You can. Give me a heart of compassion that can minister to others when they are the ones who are hurting. Thank You for healing me, and for filling me with a fresh sense of hope and joy!

- J. M. Farro

 

go to main Devotionals page
go to Devotionals archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Friday, August 29, 2025
ALBUMS
Burial Extraction Rotting Flesh - EP [Charon Collective]
Jenn Chenoweth Out To Get Me - EP (independent)
Faith Child When Faith Feels Far [Wings]
Gaither Vocal Band Then Came the Morning [Gaither]
Paul and Hannah McClure After Your Heart (Live) [Bethel]
Naomi Raine Jesus Over Everything (Live in Las Vegas) [Tribl]
Saints In Exile Becoming the Villain Remix EP [Syntax]

SINGLES
Alphen & Rmc Beatz SEVEN - Single [Syntax]
Ashes Awaken A Better Way - Single [MTS]
Elan Brio Life Savers - Single (independent)
CAIN Jesus Lifted Me (feat. Brooke Ligertwood) - Single [Provident]
Chris Caro Trauma Room - Single [Syntax]
CarriedOn My Way - Single (independent)
CRC Music 4 Love - Single (independent)
Eighteen Mile Above The Clouds - Single [Mountain Home]
goodwill. The Love I Need - Single [Syntax]
Grace Graber Everything You Ever Wanted (feat. Audiophile) - Single (independent)
Kashh Kade FREEDOM - Single [Syntax]
MATTHEWS Don't Stop 'Til - Single [Curb]
Jonathan McReynolds Still (feat. Jamal Roberts) - Single [Motown Gospel]
OnBeatMusic & Dillon Chase Breathe (ft. Saint James) - Single [Syntax]
Sæle Joy - Single (independent)
Silent Reflection Eyes - Single [Syntax]
Sleeping At Last Tell Me The Truth And I'll Believe It - Single (independent)
Thrive Worship Prison Break - Single [Integrity]
Vineyard Worship Joy In Obedience - Single [Vineyard UK]
Solachi Voz Undefeated (ft. Aurrie Janelle) - Single [Syntax]
Zane Walls Dry Bones - Single [DREAM]
Denison Witmer Which Way - Double Single [Asthmatic Kitty]

Next Friday, September 5, 2025
ALBUMS
Josh Baldwin Full Grown Man, Vol. 1 - EP [Bethel]
bodie NO SKIPS [Provident]
Coqui LIVING 2 DIE - EP [DREAM]
The Gray Havens This Is Not the End [Artist Garden]

SINGLES
Carly Ann Taylor Why Should I Worry (Remind Me Version) - Single [Curb]
NEEDTOBREATHE Momma Loves Me (feat. The Red Clay Strays) - Single [Omnivore]


For all release dates, click here!
 

Join honey and save on online purchases!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images