Solitude

I love being around people but from time to time I really crave solitude. I love hanging out and playing with family and friends, I even enjoy working with people but I know how much I need to spend some time on my own. 

As I read John 6 the other day, it wasn't the amazing miracles that stood out to me but the way that Jesus took time on His own in-between. Jesus often got on His own to pray, to spend time with His Father. And indeed for all who recognise the Father, solitude isn't really solitude, but it is time separated to spend with Him. We are never really alone. 

As Jesus' example stood out and I felt the wonderful and familiar mix of God calling me out and my own desire, I knew I needed to take some time with Him. Soon the words of Psalm 23 came to mind and to my heart. These words again washed over me refreshing my spirit and restoring my soul. Wow!

I'm blessed to be part of a group of men who get together and chew over God's Word as we let His Spirit stir our minds and our hearts. This week we fed together on Psalm 23. What a blessing to consider His love and care of us. We shared stories of special times when God has called us out to solitude, times when God has redeemed the time from our routine to have special soul-restoring moments. It was easy to become overwhelmed with treasured memories, and for our appetite to be provoked.  

I remember a time when I was on holidays hear the bush. I felt kind of restless, getting fussy and irritated. Out of that a yearning developed and I began to feel such an impression to get outside and walk to a lookout. It didn't seem to be the right time because the weather was windy and rainy, but I recognised that it was His voice and I wen anyway. The view at the lookout did not overwhelm me, it was cold, the wind blustery, small rain drops stirred around my face. I didn't receive any great revelation or healing. But I felt His presence. I responded to His calling out and was rewarded with finding Him. 

Take time to recall some times when and places where you've enjoyed this kind of solitude. 

When is the next time? Where will it be?

It blows my mind to think that God is waiting and ready for that next opportunity.