Solitude


Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
October 08, 2009

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. -Psalm 62:5 NIV

This is the time of year when you can have the beach all to yourself. I love these days of solitude as I do a panoramic scan of the area and it is just me and the sea. The natural beauty of the beach is prevalent. The summer umbrellas and beach chairs have been put away for the season and the natural landscape stands still, at rest for a while, before the hustle and bustle of spring comes about again.

That’s how it is with us at times. We are often on a treadmill of fast- paced activity as we scurry from one project or one place to another. When we get caught up in demands and schedules that are hard to maintain, it takes its toll on us and we no longer think clearly, our bodies grow tired and our good naturedness gives way to grumpiness. Our mind, body and spirit were meant for a period of rest. Being still and at rest is one of the ways that we can begin to listen for God’s voice on the inside of us. It is when we can abide in Him and He can abide in us that we know we are connected.

We function best when we follow a busy time with a rest and period of solitude. If we observe each season from a spiritual standpoint, there is something to learn from each of them. Spring is for planting and sowing seeds of faith. Summer is a growing season when we can put our faith to the test as we walk on the path of our Christian journey. Fall is when we begin to see the fruits of our labor and we see a harvest of prayers that are answered. Winter is when we prepare for the quiet time and the rest where God rejuvenates us and puts in us ideas, hopes and dreams that we nurture and incubate while waiting for spring. Now, we are approaching the time of solitude. The birds, trees and vegetation are beginning to show signs of this as the days are shorter and the temperatures begin to drop. In our Christian life, there are times for listening and times for doing. Learning to be in solitude so we can hear His Voice in our hearts will make us more usable to Him. He gives us direction and leading and if we are willing, God will put us in situations where we can serve Him by helping others.