Solitude

Often our lives are taken hold of by busy schedules. Day and after day is filled with activities. School, work, sports, etc. And these activities can include serving God, going to prayer meetings, accountability groups, small groups, the list goes on. But the one thing we sometimes forget is solitude and its importance. We may be at Church or Cross Culture or whatever, and hear a great message... but then comes the hustle and bustle or life. Hence, spirituality of mind is much injured from the constant bustle in which some benevolent people live. We can relate to the lady in this verse,

"...they made me keeper of the vineyards,
but my own vineyard I have not kept!"
(Song of Solomon 1:6 ESV)

Even if we don't realize it, we might be spending little to no time at all in solitude with God. Sin tells us we are too busy, or what we do is enough. But we need to realize the importance of solitude. When we try to focus on God in the midst of a busy life i can find it is hard. Thoughts popping up in your head, "Oh! I forgot about this!" One thought leading to the next on a continuous cycle until you realize where you should be focused.. which ruins your focus more!

"Nothing can more beautifully exemplify the duties of holy retirement and active benevolence, than the life of Jesus. In the Gospels, we read how incessant were his labors for the spiritual and temporal good of the thousands who followed him. And there we also read, how "he went up into a mountain apart to pray;" how "when the evening was come, he was there alone;" how "he continued all night in prayer to God." This he did, not occasionally, but frequently; thus setting us an illustrious example of ardent devotion, combined with unceasing exertion for the present and future happiness of fallen man."  ~ Spiritual Exercises of the Heart by Thomas Reade

As he says, Jesus was alone with God often. Now if you think about that, He and the Father are one! But he is still spending time after time alone with him!

Let our prayer be that we spend more time in solitude with God! Meditating on scripture, praying, etc. Let us find joy and importance in Solitude with God!

  

Jesus! my soul would now repose
Beneath the banner of your love:
Each rising storm do you compose,
Each darkening cloud far hence remove.
  Beneath your smile is heavenly bliss;
How sweet in solitude with thee!
My soul, in such a world as this,
May now from anxious cares be free.
  Reveal your mercies to my heart;
With joy my longing spirit fill;
Your grace unceasingly impart,
To do and suffer all your will.  ~ Thomas Reade