Solitude

/

INTRO

The purpose of spiritual disciplines is to help us enjoy the presence of God. These can quickly become a to-do list about the path to a successful life. We must resist the temptation to practice a spiritual discipline in order to prove something to ourselves, God, or anyone else. The purpose of these disciplines is not to impress Him. Our goal is not that He would see more of you, but that you would see more of him.

This is what makes solitude such a vital discipline for your spiritual life. Solitude is the practice of Psalm 46:10, “Cease striving and know that I am God”. 

Solitude reminds you of three things:

  1. You are a created being.

  2. Your creator is the Lord and He’s all-powerful.

  3. Jesus has reconciled you back to your creator.

Anything else solitude might do for you is the benefit of you being silent and still remembering your place in life and God’s place in yours. What changes when you remember that?

Everything. 

HOW

This Solitude Journal is designed to help you cease striving in specific areas where our world encourages endless striving. The world tells us we must strive to justify ourselves, establish our identity, make our lives meaningful, create our value system, and find a place to belong. In God, through Jesus Christ, each of these needs has been objectively met. The pressures of the world around us cause us to forget who God is and who we are before Him, and we enter again into a state of striving. We can cease striving because He is God and in Him we have everything we need. This Solitude Journal will help you regain clarity and bring you back to reality

 

GUIDE

QUIET
Choose a quiet place free from distractions and schedule a time when you will not be interrupted. Start with just one time per week.

TIME
If you’re new at this, a good place to start is anywhere between 1-5 minutes.

SCRIPTURE
Read a short portion of scripture. In this journal, we have suggested some scriptures for you along with an area of life in which God provides rest where we typically strive.

SILENCE
Sit in silence and avoid creating to-do lists or plans. Just let God’s truth soak into your heart

JOURNAL
Although you’re seeking to avoid doing anything in these moments, it may be that during your time of silence, the Lord uses a verse to encourage you. Don’t hesitate to write it down. When your time is up, take a few minutes to record your initial impressions.

PRAYER
Close in prayer. End your time by expressing your gratitude to God.