Luke 4:1, 14-15
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness,
14Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. 15He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
Jesus spent much time alone. He was even led into the wilderness by the Spirit to be alone for 40 days! Some of us hate spending time alone, while others (the introverts among us) need it. Some of us feel lonely in our aloneness, and some of us feel lonely in the midst of great crowds. Today as we focus on the practice of Solitude, I want to point out that solitude is not the same thing as being alone. And it is not the feeling of loneliness. As Richard Foster teaches: “Loneliness is inner emptiness. Solitude is inner fulfillment.”
Solitude is the practice of being still and silent in God’s presence. In a way it is a form of prayer, for it is being available to God and sitting in God’s presence. It can happen in a deserted place – as Jesus often sought out – and it can happen in a crowded house. It is about a state of mind, not a place.
Why would we want to practice solitude? Because our souls cry out for it. Like a branch needs the tree to nourish and sustain it, so our souls need God. Solitude is a way to connect with God for direction, for peace, for inner fulfillment. It is a means of nourishment.
Solitude may not be practical for many of us. With kids, dependents, and busy households it can be difficult to find any significant time alone. So with solitude, as with any spiritual practice, start small and be graceful towards yourself. Savor the “little solitudes” that pop up during the day – a peaceful walk to your car from work, a moment of shared silence before dinner, even that stressful bumper to bumper traffic – these can all be opportunities to experience solitude.
It is important to note that after Jesus’ 40 days of (very trying) solitude, he was strengthened in the Spirit to go and begin his powerful ministry. It is through solitude that we are shaped into people who can do God’s work in the world. Solitude not only brings us inner fulfillment, it also gives us purpose and direction.
In whatever circumstances – whether alone and lonely, or surrounded by others and exhausted, and everything in between – let us search for a deep inner quiet in God’s presence so we may be nourished for God’s work.
~ Laura Johnson
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