Need Solitude?

“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him….Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”— Psalm 62:5, 8

Last weekend my computer was in the shop.

We have had numerous issues with it freezing and slowing down the last few weeks and the technician found that when we added an upgrade a few weeks ago, that stress just overworked the hard drive. It became slower and slower, doing nothing well. The hard-drive had to be replaced.

I have to admit, going without a computer and email for forty-eight hours was challenging. I had other devices to go online, but not being able to use it on-demand was a change of pace. I couldn’t just go and look at it any old time, couldn’t see who had written me, etc… I felt disconnected from everything. Once I got it back, I happily got back on my social media, email, and have been chugging along ever since. But that computer-free “solitude” was nice for a few hours.

Yesterday I walked my dog down our trail by the lake. Despite very cold temps and being bundled in 3-4 layers, I enjoyed the time. A snow storm had come through on Sunday, piling snow on the tree trunks and branches, and the brilliant afternoon sun cast purple shadows over the snow. I saw no one else on the trail and a few times I stopped and just stood…. listening for sound and hearing virtually nothing. Silence. Ahhh……

Today I realize I am in need of solitude. Life has been galloping along at a fast clip the past few weeks, and between demands of family, projects, volunteer work, and other things, I need a break. I need silence to ponder. My computer got a new hard drive, and I think I may need one too! Something to re-set my life, get me energized again. More activities and more demands and more commitments (even good ones) will not do that for me. Time with God will.

So I enter into prayer time today. Time to unload all my concerns, worries, and pray with thanksgiving for all God has given me. Time to listen. I’m ready to start.

How about you? Do you need some solitude to re-energize your soul this week? Life been racing along with few times to slow down? Take time today to find solitude. Re-set. Come meet God in the silence. And see what a difference it can make!

Prayer–“God of solitude, you invite me to spend time with you today. I pray that I may find rest for my soul in you. Open my heart to how I may hear you today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”