The Discipline of Solitude

1 Kings 19:1-19; Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 6:31; Luke 22:39-46

With the pace of life, and the number of distractions we all experience, most of us have great difficulty slowing down and quieting ourselves on the inside in order that God may speak with us.  We sometimes are uncomfortable being alone with our own thoughts and surround ourselves with the background noise of television, radio and audiotapes.  At other times we believe ourselves too busy to indulge in such luxury.  Yet, we read in the Gospels that this withdrawing for the purpose of spending time with the Father was integral to the life of Jesus (Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12).  Normally this was for the purpose of rest, renewal and discerning of the Father’s will but on occasion these times of solitude became times of testing (temptation).  For example, in Matthew 4:1-11 we read of Jesus being led out into the wilderness by the Spirit of God in order that He might be tempted by the devil.

The idea of the Spirit of God leading us into the “wilderness” is a thought that runs counter to most Christian teaching today especially when you consider that the wilderness is not a pleasant place.  In Jesus’ day, the wilderness, or desert, was a place of extreme heat during day, bitter cold at night, very little water and was occupied by poisonous snakes and scorpions.  It was not 40 days at the beach. We must remember that part of the discipline of solitude is “crucifying the flesh” (Romans 8:12-14) in order that we might be led by (hear) the Spirit of God. 

It is also good to remember that life presents many distractions that lead us away from a life of faith and intimacy with God.  We must recognize that these distractions are not always evil or sinful, and sometimes come in the form of serving God.  Our priority must always be our relationship to God through Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God, not the accomplishment of individual goals and agendas.

The example of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 highlights the importance of scheduling periods of solitude, especially following extended periods of ministry.  Elijah experienced a great victory over the 450 prophets of Baal, with all Israel turning in repentance, but then feared for his life and fell into depression when threatened by Jezebel.  When we are physically tired, emotionally spent or drained spiritually we are vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks and must pay careful attention to the disciplines of silence and solitude.

Foster in his book, Celebration of Discipline, also makes the following points.

As with the other disciplines, the discipline of solitude needs to be an inward reality that expresses itself in our lifestyle.  It is not so much a place but a state of the mind and heart.

“The purpose of silence and solitude is to be able to see and hear.  Control rather than no noise is the key to silence.”

Steps into Solitude

  • Take advantage of the little solitudes.
  • Find a quiet place for silence and solitude.
  • Discipline your speech and become known as someone who has something to say when they speak.
  • Schedule a half-day retreat 4 times per year for the purpose of reflecting on life goals.

Application

  1. What steps could you build into your life that would allow you to take advantage of the little solitudes that occur in your life each day?
  1. Do you have a favorite place that you like to go to be quiet, pray and reflect on your life with God?
  1. Make a point to evaluate your speech and see if there would be ways to say less.

 

 


Share this post

Log in to add a comment

Click Here For Content Archives