Blog Home > Plan > How to Cultivate Quiet in a Busy, Noisy World
September 1, 2016
 / 
Cherie Harder
 / 
Categories: 
Share:

As Tuesday’s post explored—and as we’re all too well aware—seeking God in solitude is a challenge, particularly in this “I’m-always-available” world.

So how can we “be still” and cultivate solitude in our lives? Jesus’ practices provide a model. He regularly, intentionally sought solitude, even in the midst of His busiest times of ministry. One example of this comes from Luke 5:15-16 (NLT): “But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” These verses offer us three key insights we can implement as we seek quiet time with God.

dedicate time

“But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.”

As with any discipline, the practice of solitude requires time. Open, unscheduled time often gets filled with the urgent (if unimportant); scheduling time for solitude — whether ten minutes each morning, an hour a week, or an annual retreat — prioritizes the practice.

Go gadget free

“But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.”

While Jesus didn’t have a smart phone to distract Him from time with His Father, He was surrounded by distractions: crowds, constant demands, questioning disciples. He put all of that aside to spend time alone with His Father.

You can do the same. The only “gadgets” you need are your Bible and, if it’s helpful, a journal or notebook to record your prayers or what you’re hearing from God. If your Bible is on your phone or device, it could be a struggle to avoid taking a call or checking your email. If that’s the case, try using a physical copy of the Bible. Sometimes writing in the margins or underlying portions of Scripture are important ways to remember what God is teaching you.

Get away

“But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.”

Jesus was intentional about getting away to spend time with God. He separated Himself from the pressures surrounding Him, the crowds who longed to see and touch Him, even His disciples. Depending on your season of life, your “wilderness” may be a favorite chair, a walk around the block, or a quiet outdoor spot. Some people even chose to do a yearly silent retreat, spending a day or more in quiet reflection and prayer. Wherever it is, it’s important to get away from your own daily demands and spend time in silence with God.

Solitude is vital to our rest and renewal—and also to our relationship with our Heavenly Father. It takes intention to cultivate it, but the harvest it produces draws us closer to His heart.

This post was inspired by a piece featured on Cherie’s blog.  You can read it here.

Share:
Image

Subscribe for Updates

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Search

Recent Posts

Categories