Daily Solitudes
Part of 40 Days of Growth Devotional

40 days devotional_whatshapp (1).jpg

“In solitude we are freed from our bondage to people and our inner compulsions, and we are freed to love God and know compassion for others.” —- Richard Foster

Earlier in our study of Solitude we talked about Solitude as a mindset. The logical next step of solitude as a mindset is daily solitudes. Daily Solitude is the ability to exercise the discipline of solitude in our everyday lives no matter our circumstances. We can’t always get away for a retreat so we must learn to practice solitude throughout our day. This will look different for every one of us, but I promise you that it’s possible to find daily solitude.

When I was in college I worked full time at Starbucks and the best time for solitude for me was on my way to work in the morning. I am unfortunately NOT a morning person, but being on the road at 5am means it’s quiet and peaceful. It was the perfect time for me to just be in silence and listen. Sometimes that was hard and other times it helped me in ways I couldn’t begin to know. On more than one occasion this solitude would prepare me metally and spiritually for situations of verbal abuse. Today with a family and working full time my solitudes take place during my morning coffee time or after my son goes to sleep. We all have an opportunity for daily solitude, but it’s up to us to make time for it.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. —Mark 1:35-39

Growth Challenge- Have solitude today

Reading this within context shows us that this morning solitude that Jesus took was right in the middle of healing people and exorcizing demons. Jesus had a lot to get done. There was no shortage of people that needed his help, but he still took time for daily solitude.

How do you think this daily solitude benefitted Jesus? If Jesus could benefit from a daily solitude do you think you can as well?

Make it a priority today to find time for a daily moment of solitude with God.
-Pray and sit in a moment of silence.
-Allow time for God to speak to you.
-Listen to how he is moving you and allow him in. Be vulnerable to his direction.
-Continue this every day.