Life can be a rat race. Job, family, church and other responsibilities can fill our days, and sometimes, even the most dedicated Christian can skip time with God. But what are we missing when we miss our time with God? Gospel artist Rob Mercer understands the value of being alone with God. It’s during those times that he senses the presence of God the most.
“I’ll never forget the time I left Norfolk, VA in route to Washington, DC with a plan to catch up on my favorite sports talk radio shows the entire drive,” recounts Rob. “I made a quick stop by 7-11 to pick up a bottle of water and some snacks and headed toward Highway 64. Somewhere between 7-11 and Highway 64, I began to enjoy the silence and serenity that engulfed the automobile. I began to think about how God has truly enriched my life. I thought about how that day had been full of blessings at the church where I ministered. I thought about the wonderful family that He had chosen for me during this life. Then I thought about the scripture in Joshua 1 where He tells us if we meditate on His word day and night, we’ll have good success. Before I knew it, my alone time with God had lasted over 3 hours and I was pulling up in my driveway still without a clue of what was going on in the sports world.”
There are things that we can only experience with God when we are by ourselves, far away from the hustle and bustle of life. It’s during those still and quiet times – when God has our undivided attention – that He can speak to us.
Rob says, “I’ve realized that every major move of God has happened when I was alone with Him. Now there have been some powerful and amazing times in fellowship with family, friends and the body of Christ. But it was in the alone time that He called me into ministry. It was in the alone time that He told me to lay hands on myself and I found healing for a pain in my leg that had lasted over a year. It was also in the alone time that He freed me from the indignity and anguish of going through a divorce. Not to mention, the songs and sermons that He has given me over the years that continue to bless people week in and week out.”
Rob’s alone times with God have also helped him to realize that it’s God alone who has total and complete authority over his life – although sometimes that’s not readily apparent. In this world, it’s easy to believe that man has ultimate power. Man has thrived on power since the beginning of time. Countries, politicians, militaries, and even celebrities wield it at a whim and those who have it can’t seem to get enough of it. But does man really possess power? With one hurricane, tornado or flood, man’s illusion of power is shattered and he finds himself looking up to the true power source.
Mercer understands that God alone is in control. The up-and-coming singer-songwriter recently released a new song called, “God Alone”. A soft and pensive tune, “God Alone”, reminds the listener of the autonomy of God. The song’s lyrics speak of the amazing command He has over the universe: “Completely sovereign, absolute rule, director of all things, none compares to you, unlimited power, ancient of days, exclusive authority, we don’t have a say; You are God alone.”
The modern-day psalm is perfect to sing during those intimate times with God. The song, a track on Rob’s debut release, The Photo Album, is one of the highlights of the new CD. The single, already soaring up the BDS Gospel Charts, has a complementary concept video showcasing Rob during his alone times with God.
For Mercer, it’s in those alone times with the Lord, where he finds direction. It’s in those times he’s learned how to inspire others. “I have realized that I’m never alone,” says Mercer. “I have a God who never leaves me nor forsakes me. He is an omnipresent God who is with us at all times. When you can’t see His hand or understand His ways, you may think He’s deserted you, but what the alone time teaches us is that Isaiah 55:8 is right: ‘His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways.”
Written By: Andrea R. Williams
