Wasting Time With God
Solitude as defined by The American Heritage Dictionary is the state or quality of being alone or remote from others. For the purpose of a spiritual discipline, solitude can be classified as “wasting time” with God. You intentionally withdraw from people, work, and the external stimulation that create all kinds of chaos in your life to just be alone with the Father.
We see this lived out in Jesus’ life. Luke tells us that, “At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, the tried to keep him from leaving them.” Put yourself in Jesus’ place for a moment. People are seeking your help to fix their many problems that you are more than able to help them with. Can you ever feel justified in pulling yourself away to be alone? Jesus did. You see, He knew the importance of disciplining Himself in solitude to be alone with God. Like Jesus, we must also understand the importance of solitude in our lives.
In solitude, you might meditate, pray, or study. What matters most with solitude isn't what you do; it’s what you don’t do. You don’t do the things you typically do and you don’t allow your mind to be distracted. You enter solitude for spiritual purposes. Henri Nouwen notes that “without solitude it is virtually impossible to lead a spiritual life.” In solitude our senses become open to God and we take this “wasted time” with God and make him a closer friend to us.
Solitude doesn't just happen in your life. You have to be deliberate with it. This week, schedule a time in your life for solitude. Maybe it’s that moment in bed when you first wake up. Perhaps it’s when you are having your first cup of coffee, or maybe it’s during your drive to work. Your moment of solitude is what works best for you; all you have to do is schedule it.
I love solitude. It is during those moments of solitude that I am recharged. Solitude refreshes my soul! I pray that as you waste time with God this week that it refreshes you and draws you closer to your Friend, Jesus.
~ Tim Hall https://twitter.com/1timothy12 (I encourage feedback, questions & comments - email me at 1timothy46@gmail.com)
