Discipline of Solitude
Does solitude make you uneasy? How about the idea of silence?
For most of us, the hustle and bustle of life brings comfort and may even stoke the flame of achievement, productivity, and importance.
However, this way of life is not intended to be sustainable, especially for followers of Christ.
Solitude in the Chaos
Richard Foster, the author of Celebrations of Disciplines, says, “Our fear of being alone drives us to noise and crowds. We keep up with the constant stream of words, even if they’re insane. We buy radios to strap to our wrists and put over our ears so that no one else is around; at least, were not condemned to silence.”
Isn’t that something? The fear of being alone actually drives us to the noise!
Solitude isn’t something to be afraid of. It is the sacred place where we learn to hear from the Holy Spirit and grow in abundant peace and essential stillness.
As you practice the discipline of solitude, over time, your ability to hear God and experience shalom amidst the chaos will be prevalent.
The Importance of Solitude in All Seasons
Solitude can be described as inward stillness with an outward expression.
Learning to be still will transform our responses, creating an atmosphere of peace around us.
Now I acknowledge that it may be difficult to embrace solitude in different seasons of life. (I, too, have been a mom of six children under five; I see you, mama.) But I also believe God’s grace and sweet mercy will provide space for you, too!
Take heart and ask the Lord of your heart to reveal what that looks like in the stage of life you are in.
Jesus: Our Greatest Example
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus left the people he was with and went to a place to be by himself.
“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.”
- Mark 1:35, NKJV
Consistently, Jesus prioritized being by himself, and we see this after he ministered, healed and delivered people, and even while hanging with his disciples.
If Jesus left the crowds to go to a place so he could hear from God, how much more should we?
In Matthew 4:1, after being anointed at his baptism, Jesus is led into the wilderness by the Spirit.
Who on earth is out in the wilderness? Certainly not people!
Jesus shows us that sometimes when you step into solitude, it will be a literal quiet place. We need the wildernesses of life to hear and see God; this is where profound revelation comes.
Lastly, Jesus shows us, as his disciples, how important rest is when walking in the power of the Holy Spirit.
“Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, ‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’”
- Mark 6:30-31a, NKJV
Solitude is an inward place and state of mind, but it can also be physical, where you can separate yourself and rest.
Solitude and Silence
Solitude provides a place to quiet yourself and still your tongue. While there is a time and place for talking, praying out loud, and speaking in tongues, solitude is dedicated time for silence so you can listen to God.
Train your soul to listen to your spirit. Don’t just tell him all your problems or needs; inhale and be still.
Richard Foster says, “Silence is not the silence of noise, but rather the ability to control it.”
Silence is uncomfortable, and we often feel the need to fill the void with our voices. Solitude invites us to a space where we can lean on the Spirit of God and learn to obey Him with our voice, meaning we talk when He prompts us to and suppress our opinions when He tells us to.
2 Practical Ways to Apply Times of Solitude
Solitude can seem overwhelming when we aren’t sure where to start. Be encouraged; this is a learning process.
Take Advantage of the Little Solitudes Throughout Your Day
Everyone has the same hours in a day. And if we look hard enough, we can all find pockets of time throughout. Where in your day are you by yourself?
This could be in your car on your morning commute, in the quiet hours before everyone gets up, or even during your morning shower.
Get creative and invite God to meet you there.
Find Your Quiet Space
Dedicate one space in your home as your quiet space.
Are you a mom to little ones? The bathroom is fair game.
Do you have an oversized closet? Clean it out and make a space for you to sit.
Is there a comfy oversized chair in your family room? Make it a rule that when you are sitting in that chair and you are not speaking, you and that chair are off-limits!
Start with what you have and quiet yourself there. We have a good Father that will meet you anywhere.