Philippians 2:2 "If so, make me very happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and having one mind and purpose."
Our lives are very full and hectic, aren't they? From the time we open our eyes it becomes, prepare for work, get the kids ready for the day, make sure we have a good breakfast and then we're out the door. We sit in traffic hurrying to work just to clock in on time, our days are busy crunching numbers, answering phones, filing and what not. We hurry through lunch just to get back to the grind and finish our work hours. Then it's traffic on the way home, dinner for the family, homework, and cleaning. There may be recitals and games we have to fit into the evening and then the baths and bedtimes. If we're lucky we might find some time to squeeze in some TV time or time with our spouse but then we're ready for bed and before we know it the day is done. With everything that goes on in your lives, do you ever just wish for a moment of peace? Not thinking about anything or planning your next date, just a moment you can sit back and say, “Ah.”
There once was an old man who made an unusual request of his son as he lay on his bed dying. He simply asked his son to go into the best room of the house every day and sit there alone for half an hour. Although a strange request the son agreed to do as his father wished.
After his father's death the son remained faithful to his promise. Although unusual, he went into the best room and sat there for half an hour, alone. At first the quiet was unsettling and he became restless for the time to end, but over the weeks, the half hour of solitude grew into a cherished habit. The son began to look forward to that brief quiet period and he began to thrive on it. During that time, he began to experience deep and calming changes within himself. (Treasury of Christian Faith)
If I asked you to spend 15 to 30 minutes each day alone in quiet solitude, would you be willing? Could you sit quietly in faith? Not for Godly experiences or spiritual highs. Not to let your mind run through tasks still needing to be done. Just sit quietly asking Jesus to come to you in His way. Could you, do it?
When I think of quiet times I need in my busy life, I’m always drawn to the verse “Be still and know that I am God.” -Psalm 46:10
Many think of solitude as a time to spend in God's word, prayer, enjoying God's presence or a time to distance oneself from the worldly distractions and let God speak. All of these are good, but solitude can also be a time of rest and refreshment. Because our lives have gotten so cluttered with the things we should do we can often lose the peace we need to hear God's voice and find out about the things we are meant to do.
I love reading the Bible and studying verses because everything we need to know can be found in its pages. Did you know the Bible encourages us to find times of quiet solitude? Lamentations 3:25-28 “25 The Lord is good to those who hope in him, to those who seek him.
26 It is good to wait quietly for the Lord to save. 27 It is good for someone to work hard while he is young. 28 He should sit alone and be quiet; the Lord has given him hard work to do.
As we read scripture, we learn of many who used their time of solitude to find rest, hear God's word, rejuvenate, and refocus on what's important. Moses met regularly with the Lord- Exodus 33:7,11. While alone God spoke with both Elijah and Jacob- 1 Kings 19; Genesis 32:24-32. Jesus often withdrew from the crowds to pray, to spend time with God, to make big decisions, even in distress- Luke 5:16, Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12-13, Luke 22:29-44. Solitude was a consistent practice in Jesus’s everyday life.
Why do you think the time the son spent alone became not only treasured time but growth as well? It goes back to the Psalms where we are asked to “be still”. ‘Alone time with God allows God to examine us. It can be a time of knowing God more deeply, a time for strengthening, a time for refreshment, a time sharing our deepest concerns with God, and a time of simply being with the one who formed us and loves us beyond our understanding.’ (Got Questions Ministry)
Solitude also gives us a time to refocus ourselves and come away. Those minutes away from people, our cell phones, the TV, and the daily grind, keep us from letting the worries of life choke us from God's word- Mark 4:19 ESV “But the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.”
However, this time of quiet solitude takes practice. Like the son, at first it might feel a little uncomfortable and you may be counting down the minutes but if you keep at it you will begin to find that ‘Ah’ peaceful moment you've been seeking.
It is in these quiet moments you can become deeply connected to God. These moments need to be intentional and regular. If that means setting the alarm early before the hurricane of routines begin, set your alarm, and intentionally get up (even if it takes a couple of cups of strong coffee, or whatever is your preference). When you begin to prioritize that time, your day could turn into focusing more on the important instead of the urgent or hectic.
Today I want to challenge you all to take this advice as you can, to each day find the best room in your house and sit quietly for 15 to 30 minutes. Use this as your “quiet time". Now, to paint a more beautiful picture of this time I am going to share something that was said to me. ‘This is not my “quiet time" this is my “unhurried time with the Lord.” It's not rushed, it's intentional, it's purposeful, and it's meaningful.
Go find your unhurried time with God.
Instead of our normal Bible study today. Take time to read Psalm 23 and Psalm 46. Study the verses and let the Lord speak to you and fill you with a moment of peace.
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