The Simplicity Of Solitude

And He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while."

 

Mark 6:31a

There are some things we cannot know apart from stillness, like the beauty of a flower, the calming music of the surf upon the sand, the brilliant glow of a stunning sunset, or the deep splendor of God's infinite power in our heart.

 

We might be conscious of God while rushing about in our usual flurry of busyness and demands, but it is only as we willingly step into seasons of solitude that we truly come to understand who He is.

 

He is not the sort of art that can be known with a passing glance, but only with a long and deep stare.

 

To know God truly requires a quiet space, attentive focus, a willingness to watch and listen until the revelation comes. "Like a servant's eyes on His master's hand, like a servant girl's eyes on her mistress's hand, so our eyes are on the Lord our God until He shows us favor" (Psalm 123:2).

 

Solitude brings to light that which has been quietly sealed up and hidden away inside.

 

The stillness of solitude brings clarity to more than just our knowledge of God, but it also awakens our awareness of our own hearts towards Him. And that is perhaps why we most often avoid solitude—we run from solitude to the degree that we run from ourselves. For solitude opens the window to your soul and releases all that has been quietly sealed up and hidden away inside.

 

We fear what might be there, deep down inside, hidden by our busy lives—sorrow, loneliness, desperation, grief, and weariness.

 

What we fail to understand is that at times God calls us into solitude all to ourselves in order for us to focus more fully on Him. It is the call to come away with Him, so that He can minister to our souls and give us the healing gift of Himself. "'Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves'" (Matthew 11:28-29).

 

When was the last time you went off alone to sit in stillness before God—with no agenda at all other than to watch and listen for what He wants to reveal to you and you alone.