How are you with forced quiet time? Solitude? There are probably people with all kinds of answers depending upon whether you are normally a social person or introvert. Over the years I have had several “forced” or “unplanned” quiet times such as when I have been sick or taking care of a sick family member, or when plans have been canceled. Another reason for this “forced” time has been due to weather occurrences, such as the snow/ice we received this weekend. During these times I still find myself working hard to stay busy, not necessarily productive, but not trying to be quiet either. In reflecting on the times that I have intentionally set aside times for solitude, I have appreciated a few moments of quiet, spending time reading the Bible, praying and writing in a journal. I can still remember when I had small children at home desiring for any kind of “down time” and wondering if it would ever happen. Now that my four children are grown and gone, I do have the opportunity each day to spend some of it quietly, although I believe I do not take advantage of it often enough.
Psalm 37:7 says “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him” and Psalm 46:10 says “Be still, and know that I am God.” These verses seem to be the exact opposite of our world today; everything and everyone is moving faster and faster and many of us even “multi-task”, doing several things at once, like watching a movie, checking email, and texting a friend at the same time. In our hurried state, we may miss the beauty of the moment, the calm state of relaxing our mind, and even being willing to wait and listen for God’s answer to our prayers or direction. So, here’s a challenge to myself and to others, to be more intentional about making good use of times of solitude and incorporating more of it in our day or week. Set the phone down and turn off the T.V. or music apps, and give yourself permission to “not be accessible” and “not accomplish anything” for a length of time. Decompress for a few minutes, do a devotion or follow a Bible reading plan, write in a journal and then reflect without rushing to the next thing. I’m pretty confident that we will appreciate and be thankful for some solitude or “forced” quiet time a little more.
Blessings,
Jeri
Psalm 37:7 says “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him” and Psalm 46:10 says “Be still, and know that I am God.” These verses seem to be the exact opposite of our world today; everything and everyone is moving faster and faster and many of us even “multi-task”, doing several things at once, like watching a movie, checking email, and texting a friend at the same time. In our hurried state, we may miss the beauty of the moment, the calm state of relaxing our mind, and even being willing to wait and listen for God’s answer to our prayers or direction. So, here’s a challenge to myself and to others, to be more intentional about making good use of times of solitude and incorporating more of it in our day or week. Set the phone down and turn off the T.V. or music apps, and give yourself permission to “not be accessible” and “not accomplish anything” for a length of time. Decompress for a few minutes, do a devotion or follow a Bible reading plan, write in a journal and then reflect without rushing to the next thing. I’m pretty confident that we will appreciate and be thankful for some solitude or “forced” quiet time a little more.
Blessings,
Jeri
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