Embracing Solitude: Drawing Closer to God
Summary
Solitude is not about escaping from the world but about running towards God. It's an invitation from the Creator to meet with Him, to find moments of quiet amidst the chaos of life. Solitude is not about avoiding people, problems, or responsibilities. Instead, it's about intentionally setting aside time to be with God, to recharge, and to gain perspective. Jesus exemplified this practice throughout His ministry. Despite the demands on His time, He often withdrew to quiet places to pray and be with His Father. This practice of solitude is not limited to introverts or extroverts; it is a discipline for everyone.
In our current series, Detox, we've explored various spiritual disciplines. We've looked at inward practices like fasting and meditation, and outward practices like simplicity. Today, we focus on solitude, a practice that Jesus modeled repeatedly. Solitude is not about running away from life's challenges but about running towards God, who invites us to spend time with Him. Jesus often withdrew to prepare for His ministry, make decisions, grieve, recharge, and pray. He was busy but never hurried, always prioritizing His relationship with the Father.
Solitude requires us to say no to certain demands and expectations, allowing us to focus on what truly matters. It is a time to listen to God, to be still, and to be present with Him. This practice helps us manage our lives better, enabling us to serve others without the need to control or micromanage. Solitude is about being alone with God, free from distractions, and allowing Him to speak into our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Solitude is an intentional practice of running towards God, not away from life's challenges. It is about accepting the invitation from the Creator to spend time with Him, allowing us to recharge and gain perspective. [04:41]
- Jesus exemplified the practice of solitude by withdrawing to quiet places to pray and be with His Father. Despite the demands on His time, He prioritized His relationship with God, showing us the importance of solitude in our spiritual journey. [07:48]
- Solitude is not about avoiding responsibilities or people but about setting aside intentional time to be with God. It requires saying no to certain demands, allowing us to focus on what truly matters and to serve others without the need to control. [12:40]
- In solitude, we find the freedom to be present with God, to listen to His voice, and to be still. It is a time to reflect, recharge, and prepare for the challenges ahead, following the example of Jesus, who often withdrew to pray and seek guidance. [19:34]
- Solitude is a practice for everyone, regardless of personality type. It is about being alone with God, free from distractions, and allowing Him to speak into our lives. This practice helps us manage our lives better, enabling us to serve others without the need to control or micromanage. [26:58]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[04:41] - Understanding Solitude
[07:48] - Jesus' Example of Solitude
[10:21] - The Invitation to Solitude
[12:40] - Saying No to Say Yes
[15:00] - Solitude for Preparation
[19:34] - Solitude in Grief
[22:40] - Recharging Through Solitude
[26:58] - Solitude for Young Parents
[29:01] - Being Kind to Yourself
[31:17] - Finding Solitude in Everyday Life
[34:15] - Solitude in Distress
[37:03] - Scheduling Time with God
[39:22] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[41:25] - Online Service Conclusion
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Solitude
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 4:1-2
2. Mark 6:30-31
3. Luke 22:41-42
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, how did Jesus exemplify the practice of solitude during His ministry? Provide specific examples mentioned. [07:48]
2. What are some of the reasons Jesus sought solitude, as discussed in the sermon? [15:00]
3. How does the sermon describe the difference between being busy and being hurried, and how does this relate to Jesus' practice of solitude? [10:21]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between solitude and managing responsibilities? [12:40]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that solitude can help individuals manage their lives better and serve others without the need to control? [12:40]
2. How does the sermon interpret Jesus' decision to withdraw to solitary places as a model for handling grief and distress? [19:34]
3. What does the sermon imply about the importance of solitude in making significant decisions, as seen in Jesus' life? [15:00]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of solitude in recharging and preparing for life's challenges? [22:40]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current schedule. How can you intentionally set aside time for solitude with God this week? What specific steps will you take to make this happen? [04:41]
2. Think about a recent challenge or decision you faced. How might solitude have provided clarity or peace in that situation? How can you incorporate solitude into future decision-making processes? [15:00]
3. Consider the demands and expectations placed on you by others. How can practicing solitude help you prioritize what truly matters in your life? [12:40]
4. Identify a time when you felt overwhelmed by grief or distress. How could solitude with God have supported you during that time? What can you do differently in the future? [19:34]
5. How can you create moments of solitude in your daily routine, even if it's just a few minutes? What specific distractions do you need to eliminate to make this possible? [10:21]
6. For those with young children or busy households, what practical steps can you take to find solitude? Who can you reach out to for support in creating this space? [26:58]
7. Reflect on your self-talk and how you treat yourself. How can solitude help you be kinder to yourself and align your thoughts with how God sees you? [29:01]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Solitude as a Divine Invitation
Solitude is not about escaping life's challenges but about running towards God, who invites us to spend time with Him. It is a deliberate act of setting aside time to be with God, allowing us to recharge and gain perspective. In solitude, we find the freedom to be present with God, to listen to His voice, and to be still. This practice helps us manage our lives better, enabling us to serve others without the need to control or micromanage. Solitude is about being alone with God, free from distractions, and allowing Him to speak into our lives. [04:41]
Isaiah 30:15 (ESV): "For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling."
Reflection: What specific distractions can you set aside today to create a moment of solitude with God, allowing Him to speak into your life?
Day 2: Following Jesus' Example of Solitude
Jesus exemplified the practice of solitude by withdrawing to quiet places to pray and be with His Father. Despite the demands on His time, He prioritized His relationship with God, showing us the importance of solitude in our spiritual journey. Jesus often withdrew to prepare for His ministry, make decisions, grieve, recharge, and pray. He was busy but never hurried, always prioritizing His relationship with the Father. [07:48]
Mark 1:35 (ESV): "And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed."
Reflection: How can you incorporate moments of solitude into your daily routine, following Jesus' example of prioritizing time with God?
Day 3: Saying No to Say Yes to God
Solitude requires us to say no to certain demands and expectations, allowing us to focus on what truly matters. It is a time to listen to God, to be still, and to be present with Him. This practice helps us manage our lives better, enabling us to serve others without the need to control or micromanage. Solitude is not about avoiding responsibilities or people but about setting aside intentional time to be with God. [12:40]
Luke 5:16 (ESV): "But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray."
Reflection: What demands or expectations can you say no to this week to create space for intentional time with God?
Day 4: Solitude as a Source of Strength and Guidance
In solitude, we find the freedom to be present with God, to listen to His voice, and to be still. It is a time to reflect, recharge, and prepare for the challenges ahead, following the example of Jesus, who often withdrew to pray and seek guidance. Solitude is a practice for everyone, regardless of personality type. [19:34]
Psalm 46:10 (ESV): "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Reflection: In what ways can you use solitude to seek God's guidance for a specific challenge you are currently facing?
Day 5: Solitude for All: A Universal Spiritual Discipline
Solitude is a practice for everyone, regardless of personality type. It is about being alone with God, free from distractions, and allowing Him to speak into our lives. This practice helps us manage our lives better, enabling us to serve others without the need to control or micromanage. Solitude is not about avoiding responsibilities or people but about setting aside intentional time to be with God. [26:58]
1 Kings 19:11-12 (ESV): "And he said, 'Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD.' And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."
Reflection: How can you create a regular practice of solitude in your life, allowing God to speak to you in the quiet moments?
Quotes
"Solitude is not about running from something. It's all about running to someone. People, problems, and your responsibilities, you're to address. You can't call into your boss tomorrow and say, I'm seeking solitude, so I'm not coming into work. No, you have a responsibility to your work, right? So don't ignore the responsibilities that you've said yes to." [00:06:03] (24 seconds)
"Jesus, look at the practices of Jesus. Jesus was busy. He got a lot of things done in a short amount of time, but he was never in a hurry. Let me repeat that. Jesus was busy, but he was never in a hurry. It's okay to be busy, but not at the expense of his relationship with his father." [00:08:23] (23 seconds)
"If Jesus is doing that, how much more do you and I need to get away and get alone? And accept that invitation from the creator of the universe for a one-on-one appointment with him this week. Jesus begins his ministry in the quiet place, in the desert, in the desolate place. He didn't have headphones." [00:09:48] (26 seconds)
"Solitude is you and God alone. That is the discipline. That is the practice that we are looking at here today. Richard Foster, I referenced him earlier. He says this and this hit me. This hit me and I need to confess something to you. This has been a struggle in my life." [00:11:01] (23 seconds)
"In order to find solitude with your heavenly father, it means to say no to some people. It means to say no to something else so you can say yes to that appointment on your calendar with the creator of the universe. This morning we're just going to take some time to look at when did Jesus get alone?" [00:14:16] (22 seconds)
"Jesus was a better teacher because he got time alone with his Father. Jesus loved people better because he got time alone with his Father. People are annoying. So you get away in solitude. I heard a couple chuckles. It's okay. Just look at me. You don't need to look at the person next to you. People are annoying. Amen?" [00:15:28] (19 seconds)
"To recharge why else did he get alone and find solitude to recharge now we've taught on this before here at Boulder Mountain that we work from rest we don't rest from work significant difference so he goes he gets recharged and now he's better when he shows up right because he spent time with his heavenly father to recharge." [00:23:16] (24 seconds)
"Some of us don't want to get alone with God because we don't like who we are. And yet Jesus says, I want you to spend time with me. Come to me. Come to the desolate place. Come to the quiet place. Come to the mountain and join me on a boat ride." [00:29:40] (17 seconds)
"God wants to spend time with you. Luke 22, 41 through 42, when Jesus was in distress, right? He had a singular mission in his life. One mission is to go to the cross his whole life. And right before that, right, what's your purpose?" [00:34:53] (16 seconds)
"There's an invitation from the creator of the universe to schedule an appointment with him this week. Now here's the really cool thing. It's not like scheduling an appointment at the social security office where it's going to be six months and you're going to have to wait four hours. Anytime." [00:37:25] (19 seconds)
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