Spiritual Disciplines: Silence and Solitude
I feel like lots of people talk about silence and solitude being ‘vital’ even if they haven’t practiced it very much. Usually it’s because they have had an experience with the Lord when they have been silent and it has impacted them… but that impact hasn’t led to a lasting practice. I think the reason is simple: we are far too busy. Shocking answer, right? Probably not. Nonetheless, I believe that is the truth. Our busyness blocks us from this so-called ‘vital’ discipline because we believe the American dream too much - that if we just work harder, we will get more of what we want, we will produce more results, and we will be happier. Working hard is all fine and good when we know we are following after the Spirit’s leading… The question is … do we even know what that is?
That’s where silence and solitude actually come into play. When we slow down, take some time, and take in some quiet, everything within us finally begins to settle. Breathing, real breathing actually begins to take place. Our bodies receive the silence and begin to relax. As our bodies slow, then our minds can follow. This solitude-space gives us an opportunity to invite the Lord in to speak. At first, all we ‘need’ to do is just listen and rest.
This may sound easy, however, it takes practice to sit and rest with the Lord! Our busy lives make this practice hard to achieve without regular attention and time. But to change we need to repent of our ways and actually take clear steps in a new direction. We have to set that time apart if it is something we know we want or need. Many never will, and they will miss out what it means just to be in the presence of the Lord in quiet. I feel sorry for them. Because silence and solitude are vital to not just being a Christ-follower, but to just being human.
But please realize, the first time you take time out it could be quite loud in your brain… with so many thoughts and ideas fighting to get your attention. That is normal when you are finally weaning yourself off of the busy world we all have to take part in. With some practice that begins to shift. Try it and see what happens. Notice the attack of noise at first and you will know that the world we live in has too many expectations on our time, thoughts, and bodies. As you move deeper into silence and solitude you will begin to notice the fruit of change in your soul, and your ability to hear from Jesus comes easier and easier. What might you be missing? Perhaps He has something to say, but the world is so loud in you that you can not hear…
Here are some things to try:
For the Newbies: Take 10 minutes 3 times a week
Get alone … nature is great, but may not be possible, lock yourself away in a bedroom and write a note on your door so no one disturbs you.
Starting with complete silence may not be best - add a worship song or 2 previous to your 10 minutes - to set your mind apart.
Keep a notebook nearby and jot down competing thoughts, fighting them does not help
Have a simple prayer to begin with and bring your mind back to again and again when needed… It can be anything you choose, but here is one to start with, “Jesus, I want to be quiet with you.”
Take deep breaths and begin.
Take some time to notice what happened when you are done…
For those Digging Deeper: Shoot for 30 minutes or more 3 times per week.
This may mean getting up early to have a place to yourself or diving into nature somewhere apart
Shedding competing thoughts may come easier to you but may still need to be done, have a simple word or prayer to return to and leave the thoughts in God’s care
Open yourself wide to God with very little expectation except to be silent in God’s presence, but be willing to receive what He offers
Be willing to follow where He may lead… whether that be confession, repentance, encouragement, or intercession.
Spend some time being grateful for whatever came… even if it was just silence.