Being With Jesus: Solitude and Silence Part 2Sample

Solitude and Silence: A Place of Refuge for Your Wounded Soul

I can still remember my first few days of intentionally carving out space and time for the practice of solitude and silence. Looking back, entering into this foreign place was less about my desire for more of God and more like a desperate cry for help after crashing into a brick wall at 100 miles per hour. There were broken pieces of my soul everywhere that needed to be brought out of the darkness and into the light. In that season, what my soul needed most was the healing touch that can only come from being alone in the presence of God.

Solitude and silence provide a place of refuge for our wounded souls. Consider the imagery of a fortress used by the Psalmist. It is here that the truth that God is our refuge and our shield of protection covering us on all sides begins to take on all new meaning.

Together, we can take comfort in Psalms 91:1-2 – "You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.'"

Solitude and silence slow us down long enough to enjoy the rest God has prepared for us. Together, they provide an environment where the day of the week doesn't matter, functioning as a daily place of refuge. In this place, nothing has to be accomplished. Nothing has to be fixed. A place where nothing is something. And that something is what brings healing to our souls.

Like a warm shower after a bitterly cold winter run refreshes the body, solitude and silence bring refreshment to the soul after an exhausting day filled with twists and turns from the busyness of life.

Here's a question. What is the condition of your soul?

Are you dangerously tired and in need of real rest? Are you burned out from chasing after all the world has to offer? Are you confused about your true identity and purpose in this world?

If so, Jesus is inviting you to come away with Him into the quiet place. It's a safe place (I promise!) where you can let all of your anxiety, fear, anger, and pride come to the surface. You can stop hiding what is really going on in your soul. And you can stop stuffing your thoughts and feelings in the hope that they will magically disappear. In the quiet alone with Jesus, it is here that you will find healing for your wounded soul.