Why (and how) do we practice solitude?
Channel: Chapelstreet Church
Date: 30/03/2023

What is solitude? Why practice solitude? How do we practice solitude?

Most meaningful relationships develop in two contexts: group settings and one-on-one settings. Both contexts add richness to the relationship; if you only see someone in one context, your relationship will be limited.

Consider your best friend. Much of what you know and love about this person comes from seeing her in a group. You notice how she serves those around her. You observe her ability to make others laugh or feel seen. You enjoy the unique intricacies that others bring out of her.

Yet often your most intimate moments occur in one-on-one settings—just you and her, no distractions. It’s in private when you talk about what’s most meaningful. How you’re really doing. What you really care about.

Our relationship with Christ develops in the same two contexts. While pursuing Jesus with others is vital for spiritual health (as we considered in videos on community and discipleship), times spent alone with Jesus are also essential—and they are often where intimacy develops most.

Pastor Tom Ward explains what it means to practice solitude, and how Jesus intends to meet and bless us in this quiet space.

This is Day 14 of our 20 Days on Following Jesus series. Find the rest of the series here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0lnY-4k_FoicFce0YaSUseBovJiNQ7GO 

A Prayer for Today
Lord, thank you for being my Savior, Redeemer, and Friend. Knowing you is more valuable than riches, beauty, or wisdom (Jeremiah 9:23–24). In your loving presence my soul is satisfied as with the richest of foods (Psalm 63:5). One thing I ask from you—this only do I seek: that I may dwell in your house all the days of my life, to gaze upon your beauty and to meet with you in the quiet place (Psalm 27:4). Display the wonders of your faithful love, Savior of all who seek refuge in you. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings (Psalm 17:7‭–8). Be to me a rock of refuge to which I may continually come. You have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress (Psalm 71:3). I love you, Lord. Deepen my love for you today. Amen.

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BIBLE VERSES REFERENCED
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Mark 1:35 (NIV): “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”

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ADDITIONAL VERSES TO EXPLORE
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Psalm 27:1–14
Matthew 6:5–15
Luke 5:15–16

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QUOTES & NOTES
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“We are so afraid of silence that we chase ourselves from one event to the next in order to not have to spend a moment alone with ourselves.” —Deitrich Bonhoeffer, Meditating on the Word

Three suggestions to help with practicing solitude:
  •  Download the One Minute Pause App
  •  Put your phone away for 10-15 minutes as you read Scripture
  •  Find a place where you know you can get away from all distractions 

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ARTICLE SUGGESTIONS
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Time Alone for God (desiringGod)
https://tinyurl.com/bdfde8wt

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SONG SUGGESTIONS
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Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest) (Kari Jobe)
Rock of Ages (Reawaken Hymns)
10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord) (Matt Redman)

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