“And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:…”- Matthew 5:1-2 NKJV
Have you ever wondered why the very first mention of God seeking out man to commune with him was in the cool of the day? Or why communion with God is usually called ‘Quiet Time’? These all point to the significance of where to study or hear from God. They indicate the preference of God for a quiet moment with man.
At Jesus’ first sermon on the Mount, we see Him climbing up the mountain to teach the people. The Mount is a place of quietness, where there is no distraction and one’s focus is not divided. In determining the right place to study, one of your first priorities must be a place that is void of distractions.
In Mark 1:35, we also see Jesus take the same approach in the place of prayer. It was early in the morning, and He went to a solitary place to pray.
This is no coincidence. Jesus modelled intentional separation from the noise to create space for communion with the Father. Where you study God’s Word is as important as where you pray.You cannot build spiritual sensitivity and discernment in an atmosphere of constant distraction.
Whether it’s your room, a corner in your house, or even a walk in nature—your study location should enable stillness, focus, and an open heart. God is always speaking, but the noise around us can often drown out His voice. A quiet place fosters stillness of heart and spirit, making it easier to receive from Him (Psalm 46:10).
When we look through Scriptures, God often drew people out of the crowd into secluded places before revealing His word to them (Exodus 3:1–5; Luke 9:28–36). The wilderness, the mountain, the solitary place—these locations were not random. They were intentional. They allowed for separation, silence, and sanctity.
Habakkuk is another example to emulate. In Habakkuk 2:1, we see him take a posture of intentionality by setting himself apart to hear God clearly. Like Habakkuk, we must choose to separate ourselves from distractions in order to perceive divine direction.
Dear believer, you must also be intentional. If Jesus, the Son of God, constantly sought the right place and atmosphere for prayer and teaching, how much more should you? Don’t make do with convenience; prioritise presence. Don’t substitute comfort for communion. Seek out a place where your heart can be fixed on Him without distraction.
Bible Reading Plan: Ezra 1-2; Luke 15.11-32