A Solitude Guide

I have really fond memories of solitude. Being quiet on purpose to hear from God has become a spiritual discipline I cannot live without. I've written before about these rhythms of silence in my life and hope you'll consider ways to implement some quiet space into your life.

But, I also understand that sitting still may be the last thing you want to do. There are many things that prevent us from quieting ourselves before the Lord. 

Sometimes we are like Martha, anxious and worried about many things (Luke 10:41). Sometimes we are like David, weighed down by the sins that we’re too afraid to talk about (Psalm 32:3). Sometimes we’re clueless like Cornelius; we believe in God but just need someone to show us how to know Him (Acts 10). Sometimes our faith is dry and our hearts are cold. It is for that reason that I wrote this solitude guide.

Depending on where you find yourself today will determine what page you should start on. If you feel anxious and overwhelmed, whether it’s term papers or laundry, marriage troubles or fears of eternal singleness, aging bodies or aging parents, then start on page 2. 

Maybe you may already know why you don’t like spending time alone with God. It’s because in the quiet all those hidden sins creep into your mind. That subtle feeling of guilt you can’t put your finger on eclipses God’s goodness. If that’s you, start on page 4. 

Or maybe the idea of an hour alone with a Bible and journal is just intimidating! What in the world do I do? What passage should I read? Am I waiting for some special feeling? If you just feel a bit clueless, then start on page 7. 

If you feel discouraged, defeated, and dry; if you feel like you’re in a never-ending desert; if your desire for God is non-existent, then start on page 9.

Wherever you are today, I hope this guide will help jump start times of silence before the Lord. May you say with the Psalmist: "For God alone, O my sou, what in silence, for my hope is from him." (Psalm 62:5)