When nothing is occupying my attention, the first thing I do is reach for my phone. 77% Said Yes
My soul is quiet and waits for God alone. My hope comes from Him.
Psalm 62:5 New Live Version (NLV)
Silence the complete absence of sound
External Silence no noise around you
Internal Silence no noise from within you
Solitude time away with God
“Solitude is engagement; isolation is escape. Solitude is safety; isolation is danger. Solitude is opening yourself up to God; isolation is putting a target on your back for the tempter.” – John Mark Comer
Loneliness is inner emptiness. Solitude is inner fulfillment. Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline
Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to a desert .
Matthew 4:1 (NLV)
eremos desert or wilderness ; a deserted place, desolate place, solitary place, or a quiet place
In the morning before the sun was up, Jesus went to a place where He could be alone. He prayed there.
Mark 1: 35 (NLV)
Simon and the others looked for Jesus. They found Him and said, “All the people are looking for You.”
Mark 1: 36-37 (NLV)
Jesus said to the followers, “Let us go to the towns near here so I can preach there also. That is why I came.”
Mark 1: 38 (NLV)
He said to them, “Come away from the people. Be by yourselves and rest.” There were many people coming and going. They had had no time even to eat. They went by themselves in a boat to a desert.”
Mark 6:31-32 (NLV)
When they were all gone, He went up to the mountain to pray. It was evening. The boat was half-way across the sea. Jesus was alone on the land.
Mark 6:46-47 (NLV)
Jesus prioritized the practice of silence and solitude.
If Jesus needed silence and solitude, then who are we to think that we do not?
“Jesus isn’t anti-command…it’s about example and invitation.” -John Mark Comer
Make time this week for silence. Make time this week for solitude. And see what God reveals to you along the way.