Becoming Like Jesus: Silence and SolitudeSample

Our Refuge and Strength

It’s day two of us learning how to make space to experience the presence of God. When we’re forming new habits, it always takes time for them to become a natural part of our rhythms. While these first few weeks might be difficult as we are adjusting, just remember why you’re committing to this in the first place. To strengthen your relationship with God and become more like Jesus. And if you miss a day, give yourself grace and get back at it so you don’t miss two.

With that, let’s get started.

Pray…

God, help me make space for you in my life. You are the most important relationship I have. Give me the discipline to keep you first and show you my gratitude for all you’ve done. Today, I need your strength. I long for your love. Meet me here and change me into who you want me to be. In Jesus name, amen.

Read…

'God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. - Psalms 46:1-3 NIV

Consider…

God is constant and unchanging. Even when our world feels like chaos, we can find comfort in the God who is our ever-present help in trouble.

Where do you need God’s strength in your life? What challenges are you facing that you need His help to overcome?

What are you afraid of? What worries you or makes you anxious? Take a moment to invite God to fill you with peace and comfort in place of your fear and worry.

Listen…

Find a comfortable place where you won’t be distracted. Maybe a cozy chair, a closet, or even sitting outside on a porch.

Set a timer for 5-10 minutes.

Ask God to speak to you, and sit quietly listening to hear what He has to say.

When you get distracted (because you will get distracted), come back to that passage of Scripture and imagine God as your constant strength in the middle of a storm. Form that picture in your mind and come back to it. The goal of this time isn’t to never get distracted, the goal of this time is to develop the skill of coming back to God when your thoughts wander.

When the timer ends, thank God for the time you spent together and head into the rest of your day with a clearer sense of His presence.