Gail Rodgers Sharing the Journey

Hope for the Heart Part 16 - Invitation

by Gail Rodgers

Solitude is hard to find in our cultures today. We hurry, we worry, and we keep our bodies and minds in constant motion. Solitude is quietness, not simply silence. Solitude can lead us to tranquility. The place of solitude is where God’s whisper can be heard.

Perhaps you need to hear His voice in a fresh way today. Perhaps your constant motion drowns out His still, small voice. After a busy day Jesus knew He and His followers needed rest. He gave them an invitation that is still our invitation today. He said,

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place…” (Mark 6:31)

Sometimes God leads us to a place of solitude when He has something to say to us. He may lead us to a place where we find ourselves all alone with Him. We can struggle and try to push aside the solitude and the circumstances that brought us there. Or we can inquire and ask God what it is He needs us to hear. He may have an inner transformation for our soul; refreshment that we desperately need or direction that we so earnestly seek.

Be purposeful in carving out times of solitude in your life.

• Ask Him to teach you. Then listen.
• Ask Him to lead you to Scripture that will speak to your heart. Then listen.
• Ask Him how He is praying for you. (Romans 8:34) Then listen.
• Ask Him to show you how He is at work in your life. Then listen.
• Ask what He wants you to see and do. Then listen.

God’s voice will come:

• Through the Scripture as He reveals truth to your heart.
• As quiet thoughts when you ask and listen for His answer.
• In words from other Christians to confirm what He has told you in your heart and through His Word.
• As an idea of something kind you can do for someone.

Whether you feel weary, dry and discouraged or hungry for His presence, be deliberate in carving out some regular times of solitude in your life. Choose it. You will never know the richness of this experience if you don’t stop to move into a place of solitude. If your first attempts are restless times with random thoughts afloat in your mind don’t be discouraged. Go again…and again.

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place.” RSVP