D.A.W.G. = Day Alone With God. At various seasons in our lives Kathleen and I encouraged one another to schedule regular DAWG days. We guarded that time for one another and ensured there were no distractions. Unfortunately, there have also been seasons when we did not maintain this habit. The strength of these days is unmatched in provision of peace, clarity, assurance, and direction. Psalm 46:10 is a driving command for the implementation of a DAWG. “Be still, and know that I am God.” From a humble position of both succeeding and failing at consistency in these days, I encourage you to establish this as a life pattern. Our goal was monthly, but even starting with a quarterly habit is good.
My DAWG days were always immersed in nature. For me, the city is full of noise and wild places are full of sounds. The city is filled with rush and the quest for something that matters. Nature is full of peace and the assurance of created purpose. God tells us in Romans 1 that His invisible qualities are made plain in the things that have been made. In a world of “maybe” we all need certainty; something plain and clear. The evolutionary worldview sees the battle and fight for survival within nature. The Biblical worldview sees the miracle of life and creates unity within nature. God’s heart of relationship and design is plain to see and life-giving to experience. I stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon and God’s majesty is immense. I consider carefully a flower and I connect with God’s care in detail. I think about God knitting me together in my mother’s womb. He knows the flowers and He knows me. I sit amidst a vast field of prairie grass and I am convinced of God’s faithful provision. I rest beside a mountain stream and see God’s refreshing spirit. I witness a forest fire and believe in God’s purification. I listen to a raging storm and am convicted of God’s wrath.
Recently, I was conflicted in my spirit and needed time alone with God. With Kathleen’s blessing, I wandered into the mountains near our home. I had a sleeping bag, minimal food, and some water. I was uncertain how long I was going to be gone but was prepared to stay for a few days if needed. I would return when God directed. I ascended into the mountains and found a fabulous rock outcropping perfect for building a shelter for the night.
I gathered what I needed and quickly had a great little home away from home. The wood was in the place for the evening fire and my bag was all laid out. I sat out on the rock looking across a beautiful prairie and the 12,600-foot peak of Humphrey dazzling in the afternoon blue sky. The sunset was sure to be epic. I spent some time in Ephesians, and time praying, but I still didn’t feel fully settled. Although it was early (only about 4:30) I decided to light the fire and enjoy the warmth, smell, and sound. There was still snow in the mountains so I was also preparing to melt some snow for water during the night.
Once the fire was going I could feel myself finally distraction-free and truly focused on whatever God had for me. Immediately I heard God tell me to go home. I was a bit surprised and honestly a bit disappointed. I actually said out loud, “Can’t I at least stay for the sunset?” Once again, God said, “Go home!” Reluctantly, I began to pack up my stuff and prepare to go home albeit slightly confused. I couldn’t understand why God would want me to leave the mountains and simply return. I’d been gone for only about 6 hours. I got the fire good and cold, disassembled my shelter and through my pack back on my back. Two steps into my return journey suddenly everything was different. I no longer felt as though I was going from home from an afternoon hike. I had this sense that I had been gone for years and was actually getting to go home. There are few moments in my life that can rival the level of excitement and emotion I felt about going home right then. I burden I did not know I was carrying flew off my back and was buried in those mountains. I was nearly running down the side of the mountain with tears streaming down my face. I was going home! That’s when God added one more word to his message and said, “Go home, soldier!” That phrase repeated itself loudly in the depth of my being. It was if God knew I was the soldier that would never leave the battlefield unless my Commander and Chief grabbed me but he shoulders and sent me away. And that is exactly what God did. There was no condemnation. No chastisement from God asking why I had been driving so hard. Just the compassion and concern of a loving father sending me home. I didn’t know exactly what everything was going to look like moving ahead, but I knew exactly where I needed to be and what I needed to be doing. I was going home.
Not every DAWG day has Ben so dramatic as this. However, every time I found the peace and direction I needed to live life abundantly and walk in rhythm with God. Don’t find the time for this; make the time. Be still and know that He is God!
PRAISEALLUJIAH!
Jon