Solitude

My soul often longs for solitude, to be away, to be still, to know that He is God.  "Settle yourself in solitude and you will com upon Him in yourself." -Teresa of Avila

We live in a crazy society that knows little of solitude. We are so connected to everyone all the time, even feeling something is wrong if we don't have our phone or other device on us. Ironically we may have one of the loneliest and most depressed generations ever.  So what gives? How can we be so "connected" to everyone and yet feel so alone?  Could it be that our internet, facebook, tv, online video games and all of the other connectedness that we have actually has a reverse effect on our life in community?  Yes!  So what does this have to do with solitude? 

In all of our "connectedness" to our world we have forgotten that we have to get "alone" with God regularly in order to feel close to Him.  Jesus regularly went away in order that he might spend time in prayer with the Father.  A couple of scriptures:

"One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God." Luke 6:12

"After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them." Mark 9:2 

"For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken.  I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say." John 12:49-50 

Jesus spent time alone, away from the crowds and the bustling world around him.  He took this time out so that He might clearly know the Father's will for him.  He wanted it to be clear that his authority was because of the one who sent him.  Everything he said and did was because he was connected to the Father.  

One of the greatest ways to connect back to the Father is to spend time alone. Although you are never really alone! God is always there with you and for you. And if you are a follower the Spirit of the living God is within you. He longs to bring peace and comfort when nothing else and no one else can.  

Have you allowed yourself time to get "alone" with the Father?  Solitude with the Lord is not a lonely place, in fact it is quite the opposite, it is full of life! 

How or when do you spend time alone with the Father?