Jesus often sought places of quiet and solitude. It was a regular practice of his.
- 40 days in the desert (Mt. 4:1-11)
- Before choosing the 12 (Lk. 6:12)
- On news of John the Baptist’s death (Mt. 14:13)
- After feeding the 5000 (Mt 14:23)
- After a day of crowds and activity (Mk. 1:35)
- After a mission of the 12 (Mk. 6:31)
- After healing a leper (Lk. 5:16) Note: it says he did this OFTEN
- The transfiguration (Mt. 17:1-9)
- The garden before his death (Mt. 26:36-46)
In the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry (Mk. 1:35), Jesus withdrew from the crowds and tons of activity. He was doing great things and helping a huge number of people. But he took off on his own. The result was that he was able to again listen to God who was directing him to move on to the next town. He avoided the temptation of being popular to the crowds in order to fulfill the mission of God.
The purpose of silence and solitude is not to be alone but to be alone with God. Some people call this “quiet time.” But modern quiet times seem to be too “busy” with activity. Silence and solitude is not a busy time. It allows us to listen to God and even to what our bodies and souls are telling us (if we slow down enough to listen). In silence and solitude we “shut up” so we can listen and “quiet” all the other noises and distractions so we can hear the “still small voice” of God who chooses not to shout at us over our loud and busy lives.
I have often found new direction, correction (I was going down the wrong path), encouragement (when I was wallowing in self-pity) and most of all re-connection with God in my times of silence and solitude. Most recently that happened during a short 25 minute “retreat” in my day sitting by the fountain at the church building! Here are some practical ways to practice (something we DO) silence and solitude:
- Take advantage of the everyday opportunities of “moments” of solitude like lunch time, a morning walk, quiet time in the morning, etc.
- Create a place in your home or apartment where you can “retreat” on a regular basis. I know of a guy who literally cleaned out a closet and put a chair in there to have a quiet place. I know others who made a special place in their back yard where they can retreat in silence and solitude.
- Find some places like a park, the church court yard, the Saguaro National Park (one of my favorite), etc.
- Plan a short retreat once or twice a year. Go to a hotel, go camping, go to a retreat center or B&B or find a place out of your normal routine. Don’t take a ton of things to do or read. Just take your Bible and some blank paper and get away and be quiet and listen and be alone with God. You’ll be amazed at what you hear from the One who deeply loves you.
- Take a half day retreat several times a year. You can stay in town, but just find a place of quiet where you won’t be interrupted.
- Be sure to turn off you cell phone during these times - including the vibrate mode. In the “old days” before cell phones we were out of touch for long periods and the world did not end.
Glen
