Solitude, Silence & Stillness

 YouTube Channel Video Devo

https://youtu.be/uB28N9pvQ7w?si=uWV4NwdaCP3kqZXb

“Solitude, Silence & Stillness”

 

I just recently finished reading a book by a Christian author and he mentions multiple times how he has practiced times of solitude before God while also being silent and listening.  As I kept reading the book, I became convicted that this was something I haven’t done much in my own personal faith journey through the years.  I’ve tried being quiet off and on through the years, depending on what situation I’m going through, but never a consistent habit. 

 

This past week, it really hit me hard as I finished the book and I determined that I was going to begin each day with my usual quiet devotional time.  Right after I read in the morning, I’ve decided I will sit and do nothing for at least 5 minutes.  I kept thinking of writing this devotional and using the title “Solitude & Silence”, but then it hit me just the other day that I needed something more.  Not just solitude and silence, but I also needed stillness. 

 

I have ADHD, so it’s very hard for me to sit down and sit still for a long period of time. Within a few minutes, my mind is usually thinking of something I need to do or a variety of other thoughts suddenly flood my mind.  This drives my wife and youngest daughter nuts when I’m home at night and on the weekends.  I tend to “busy” myself with tasks that need done, but I don’t sit down and rest long enough to really quiet myself. 

 

I was convicted this past week to begin my day with solitude, silence and complete stillness by sitting there and trying to clear my mind.  No additional reading, no praying, no nothing.  Just being in the quiet and trying to clear my mind so I can listen.  I also want to increase the amount of time as I feel led.  I want to encourage all of us to make this a daily practice and habit.  It will take time.  I know it will for me definitely!  But I am excited to add this spiritual discipline to my life. 

 

My goal is to be a better listener to what God wants to show me in my life.  By being in complete silence, I hope to better quiet my mind, heart and soul and just be in God’s presence.  I want to listen and allow the Holy Spirit to move in and through me. 

 

This is a tough practice and habit to take on, but I truly believe it will help draw myself and all of us much closer to God. 

 

One last way I would encourage you to be in silence is to go take a walk somewhere in nature.  I have found that when I have the opportunity to go walk, away from the noise of the every day routine, it’s amazing how you can quiet your mind, heart and soul and just take in the very presence of God.

 

Solitude, Silence & Stillness—Start with at least 5 minutes a day and see what God does!