Day 4 - Solitude
Richard Foster, in his book Celebration of Discipline, opens the chapter on Solitude with the following sentence:
Jesus calls us from loneliness to solitude. ~Foster 1998
He goes on to describe how our lives are filled with noise, crowds, and things that keep us distracted. He concludes:
Loneliness is inner emptiness. Solitude is inner fulfillment.
Some find it uncomfortable to experience sustained silence. Yet others find the clatter of civilization just as disturbing. Apparently, Jesus found it helpful to get away from the crowds and spend some time alone.
When we speak of solitude as a discipline I think we can assume that it is not our natural state – most of us don’t spend our days alone - rather we must intentionally pursue it. Taking time away from the hustle and bustle of life, for the purpose of seeking a relationship with God, requires changing our patterns. Whether our method during our times of solitude is prayer, or meditation, or simply well needed rest is an individual concern. At first solitude may be difficult for some – we may find ourselves watching the clock or listening to the walls creek. Practicing this discipline regularly will make it easier and help us improve our focus, and in so doing, we will begin to experience God more fully.
But Jesus would often go to some place where he could be alone and pray. (Luke 5:16 CEV)