When is the last time you spent an hour in solitude? In this world, what does solitude even look like? Right?! Noise is everywhere and for some reason, we are unable to go even one hour without something electronic in our hands or “singing” in our ears. We have MP3 players, stereos, CDs, Pandora, Sirius and so much more bringing constant sound. We have playlists to keep us listening to music 24/7, if we wanted to.
SOLITUDE – the state of being or living alone; seclusion; to enjoy one’s solitude. Remoteness from habitations, as of a place; absence of human activity: the solitude of the mountains
The results of times of solitude are many: Time to reflect…Time to pray…Time to commune…Time to breathe deep…Time of peace…Time of gratitude…Time of listening to His still, small voice…Time for finding a healthier perspective…Time to just be…Time to truly feel His love.
Are you hungry for some solitude?
“A heart at peace gives life to the body..” Proverbs 14:30
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him…” Psalm 37:7
Let’s try it: Turn off ALL electronics, find a place where there are no distractions (even if you have to drive somewhere and sit in the car!), breathe deep, relax your shoulders, and ask the Lord to surround you with His peace. Be still before Him. Wait for Him to speak to your mind and heart and forget about your schedule, the challenges you are facing, hurts, etc. just for a little while. Let Him surround you. Keep breathing deeply.
S – Simply just be
O – Only sit and breathe
L – Let Him soothe your soul
I – Ignore the things that distract you
T – Trust
U – Utter words of praise
D – Delight in His presence
E – End with gratitude
Our schedules will not allow for times such as this. We must make them happen and strongly set distractions aside for times of solitude. If you are able, you can find times of solitude at the beach, by a lake/river, on the top of a mountain/hill, out in a desert, or wherever you can “get away” and just breathe.
“You will keep in perfect peace whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You,.” Isa. 26:3