Thursday, March 11, 2010

“Be still and know that I am God;” Psalm 46:10

I heard a great message on solitude today and it really resonated with me. I used to think solitude was just for me and my own relaxation. How wrong I was. I’m coming up on the one-year anniversary of one of the most amazing periods of solitude I’ve ever experienced, and the message I heard today sparked thoughts of that time.


I was able to get a way and spend a weekend at the beach. It was during a particularly stressful period and I don’t think even I realized how much I needed it. Thankfully, God knew. He knew where and how to lead me so that I was completely focused on Him. It was the most powerful connection I have ever had and one that I long to recapture often. I sat amid gentle surf, sugar-soft white sand, swaying palm trees and chirping birds and just tuned in. The peacefulness of that time makes me smile. And as I sat there in sheer awe, He spoke into my soul and gave me the clearest direction I have ever had. I have been filled with joy and purpose ever since.

Funny, if that experience didn’t sell me on making time for solitude, I don’t know what would! Solitude. Just saying it brings me back to that place of peace. As my story portrays, I find peace when I am at the beach. The challenge, of course, is that I cannot be at the beach every time I need that connection. Finding the moments and mental ability to seek out other places of solitude are vital.

Vital but hard. Those daily demands have a tendency to creep into my thoughts, even when I am trying to be quiet. And to be completely honest, some days I just don’t know how or when I can slip away, even if it’s just mentally, to be still. Slipping way, relaxing and just “being still” are so much easier on vacation, I will admit.

The hardest thing is tuning out from the things of this world and tuning in to the quiet and peace of God. It sounds crazy when I think about it that way. That the “noise” of this world, the demands, stressors, priorities, to-do’s, concerns, etc. would be easier to stay focused on than stepping aside and finding peace and contentment through time with our Savior. That’s the trap I know I fall into, which just gives the enemy that much more to work with.

I challenge myself, and anyone who reads this, to make that commitment and effort to spend time in solitude with the Lord. I think we will be amazed at what will happen if we do it. Are you with me?

2 comments:

  1. That is awesome! I actually am so excited because as of tomorrow I will be alone in the house for 3 solid days. I haven't been alone for the past 6 months, and I am really looking forward to reading, having an actual "QUIET" time, blogging, getting inspired, and whatever else comes to mind. I don't plan on starting any big projects to make me busy...but just to relax and do the things that will recharge my battery. Thanks for the encouragement to do just that. I will be praying for God to direct what I should do and bless my time of solitude. YES!

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  2. I have often said that the beach is my "church". The Lord and I meet out there all the time. You know what is the most amazing thing? The reason that we get so overwhelmed by His love when we set aside time for Him is that He has been yearning for it. More than we ever will. When we set apart time for Him, His heart soars. Can you imagine? We make God happy! Like any bridegroom, Jesus waits in anxious anticipation for time alone with His bride. Awesome stuff, Patti.

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