Reading this week's devo, I was immediately reminded of the first time I really experienced solitude. It was on a youth group retreat in the Rocky Mountains, and we had an intentional 2 hour quiet time during part of the weekend. I was not sure what to do with my quiet time, so I climbed to the top of a large rock, lay down on my back and waited. I had been listening to the "Pride and Prejudice" soundtrack on my ipod, when I slowly began to realized that I could no longer hear the music, though it was still playing. My mind seemed to be settling into a place it had never been before, and I decided to let it settle. It was in that moment that I found the place where the Holy Spirit dwells in me, and I could hear nothing but silence for the longest time. I just lay on top of that rock, allowing the Spirit to wash over me. I didn't "learn" anything or "experience" anything. I was just there, in the silence. Just the Spirit and I in overwhelming intimacy.
I love the way that Foster describes solitude, saying that "inward solitude has outward manifestations. There is the freedom to be alone, not in order to be away from people but in order to hear the divine Whisper better." (Foster -pg. 97). Examining our own hearts, with the Spirit leading the way, brings about such change. And in my experience, this change is something that establishes itself deep within me. I don't doubt it or turn away from it, because I know that the Holy Spirit put it there. And I trust that it is a good and beautiful part of my heart that cannot be shaken or removed. I have many examples I could give about these kinds of changes, but I won't talk about them all here :)
I confess that I have not sat in solitude with the Spirit in quite some time. It's something I forget to do, and have to be reminded of, just like now. And it is certainly something that takes a lot of practice...
Lord, be with me this week and allow my eyes to be opened to opportunities to sit in solitude with your Spirit. I want to know you and I want to be changed by you. Let me be ever attentive to your divine Whisper.
Can't wait to see you all in just 4 weeks! Blessings!
Hannah
I can not even express to you how encouraged I was by your post. I loved your solitude moment of just choosing to sit in solitude connecting with the spirit of God. What a spectacular depiction of our need for solitude! You have convicted me to take time in solitude and not attempt to gain anything from the Lord, but just sit in his presence! Thanks girl! Needed that encouragement!
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome, Steph! Praise God that we can encourage and affirm one another, as you have done that so many times for me already! Love ya :)
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