Strong spirits: get alone
Begin with listening, being still, waiting.
I'm a most-of-the-time extrovert. I like people. They energize me. Most of the time. But there are times when I need solitude, need to be alone, need to be my introvert self. When people wear me out.
Jesus loved - and loves - people. Shoot... he loves the whole world! But in his earthly life, people and the demands of ministry could wear him out, too. When that happened, he took time to get away, to be alone with his Father, to pray, listen, be still, and get recharged.
"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went to a solitary place, where he prayed." (Mark 1:35)
"Be still, and know that I am God" God to us, via the sons of Korah (Psalm 46:10)
The obvious question is, if Jesus needed solitude, what about us? And the equally obvious answer is, we need it, too. We need it very much. Each of us needs time when we are alone with and attentive to God. And what do you do with that time? I suggest you begin with listening, being still, waiting. You might be amazed at what transpires!
Solitude is not a place to hide from the world. It is a place to be filled and restored by God, so we can return to the world to serve. Need some solitude? God's waiting...
Gary Schwerin serves as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church. He is also the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.
