Solitude Above all Else
On your journey to reclaim your voice in God you will find that living for Christ is not a passive life, it must become a lifestyle. It will become a lifestyle when you desire him, desire what he desires and actively make changes towards that. The world is moving quickly and the distractions are increasing. Unplugging, uninstalling, revisiting your core values, and quieting the noise is of great importance.
I need the wisdom of God more than ever. I wonder if you've been thinking the same.
Solitude depending on the context has a bad rap however, if you have felt disconnected, attacked by brain fog that won't lift, can’t seem to make progress even when you are doing all the things, overloaded with emotions you are ignoring or are working through; I am here to encourage and challenge you to choose intentional solitude for seven days.
During the past two weeks I have prepared for and completed another transition in my household as well as making necessary personal changes in my life. That would not have happened if I did not have physical and Biblical support to push me in the right direction for seven days towards solitude. During this time, I was focused on one thing so I recommend you do the same.
If you need specific reasons when it would be a good idea to fall back to seek wisdom and direction from God to make necessary changes in your life, I have six examples as to why Jesus did it. I hope this will be helpful.
To prepare for a major task. Luke 4:1-2, 14-15. After Jesus was baptized He spent 40 days praying in the wilderness. After this He was tempted by Satan and then began His public ministry.
To recharge after hard work. Mark 6:30-32. Jesus sent the 12 disciples out to do ministry. When they returned He encouraged them to separate from the people who were following them to rest.
To work through grief. Matthew 14:1-13. After Jesus learned that his cousin John the Baptist had been beheaded, He went away by Himself. Yes, even the Son of God grieves.
Before making an important decision. Luke 6:12-13. Early in His ministry Jesus spent the whole night alone in prayer. The next day He chose his 12 disciples.
In a time of distress. Luke 22:39-44. Hours before Jesus was arrested He went to the Mt. of Olives and went a short distance away from His disciples to pray. He was in great emotional agony knowing what he was about to face.
To focus on prayer. Luke 5:16. Many times in Jesus’ ministry He spent time alone in prayer.
