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CHALLENGE #1 - SILENCE & SOLITUDE

Watch the video for the Second Sunday of Lent.

(CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO)

WHY SOLITUDE?

Why solitude?  Because listening to a radio station and a Barbie moive while driving is annoying.  What?  This makes sense...I promise.

We used to have a portable television that we put in the minivan on ling trips so the kids could watch movies.  This TV was somewhat old-school.  Therefore, the sound for the television was sent over a selected radio station so that it would come through the van's speakers.  Sometimes it worked well:  the sound for the movie was crystal clear and the only thing you would hear.  Other times you'd get a maddening mix of the actual radio station and the televsion sound.  When that happended, you couldn't really hear either.  Too much noise?  Frustratiing!  Exactly!

THE BENEFITS OF SOLITUDE

Ever wonder why Jesus seemed to have a laser-focused awareness on what the Father wanted Him to do in any given moment?  Ever wonder why Jesus had such a clear sense of the purpose and mission for His life?  Before you just chaulk it up to the fact that Jesus was God in human form, take a look at these vereses: Matthew 4:1, Matthew 14:23, Mark 1:35, and Luke 4:42.  Jesus too time to get away to just be with the Father.

We should do the same.  Perhap[s the reason many of us struggle so much when it comes to hearing the voice of God, knowing that Father's will and being strong enough to do those things we know we ought to do, is that we spend so very little time alone with our heavenly Father.

Solitude is the only way to tune out all of the noise on life.  If i truly want to know God and learn to hear His voice, I must get rid of all of the noise clutter.  Now does my van analogy make sense>

The biggest benefit of solitude is that it is there that you cultivate communication with you heavely Father.  In solitude, we find restoration, refreshing, strength, and focus.  Are you lack in those things?

TIPS FOR YOUR HOUR OF SILENCE & SOLITUDE

I'm going to resist the urge to "over-program" your time.  These tips are meant to at least give you some ideas to get started.

  • Dont turn it into reading time.  There's a big difference between spending an hour of solitude in thinking/prayer and curling up with a good book.  Reading is great...it's just not the point of this kind of solitude.
  • Bring your journal.  Write down thought and prayers.
  • Be honest.  Tolk to God.  He can handle your honesty (and your tears, and your frustrations, and your questions, and your silence, and...ok, you get it).  I'm sure you already know this, but talking to God doesn't have to be audible.
  • Four things to think about (maybe take 5 minutes each to think and write):

    1. God

    2. You

    3. Sin

    4. The Cross

  • Feel free to find a good trail and go for a walk.  When it's cold, I drive around in my car.  (but then I see people and have to pay attention, to driving...more distraction.  Maybe there's a secluded place to park?)
  • Listen!  There's nothing you can tell God He doesn't already know.  There's a lot God could tell you that you have no clue about.
  • It will be tough if you're too comfortable.  A fluffy counch in front of the fireplace could be a bad idea.
  • You may feel like you're wasting time.  That's expected and actually part of our problem.
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