Living the Christian Life

Lesson 6The Discipline of Solitude

Prayer

We continue our Christian Living study of Foster’s twelve spiritual disciplines by looking at the discipline of Solitude. We live in a day where solitude is something we think little of, and rarely find. The non-stop noise of the day, the job, the children or grandchildren; our health and our family’s health; and concerns for friends and neighbors all combine to crowd our hearts and minds with anxiety and distraction.

Foster says that solitude is what we need in order to bring clarity into our lives and our relationships. Essentially, we need some solitude in order to clear our minds and hearts and to listen to God.

Read the following and consider what they tell us about the Discipline of Solitude:

  1. What is Solomon referring to in Ecclesiastes 1:1-4, and how does to relate to our need for solitude?
  2. What do each of the following tell us about solitude and its benefits?
    1. Psalm 50:7
    2. Psalm 78:1-2
    3. Psalm 81:8
    4. Proverbs 1:5-7 and Proverbs 8:33
    5. Proverbs 19:27
    6. Proverbs 23:19
    7. James 1:19
  3. To complete our Biblical study on solitude, read Psalm 40 and list the things that this passage tells us about spending time with God.

Finding quiet time to create a moment of solitude in our busy lives and seek out God will fill our lives with blessings that we cannot imagine—but we must take that first step. We cannot hear God’s voice in a crowded room, or in an environment full of noise, demands on our time, and a heart full of anxiety over the worries of this world. It is only when we allow ourselves to draw away in solitude and quiet our heart that God will come and talk with us and minister to us. If we listen with all our heart, God will answer, and He will answer in ways you’ve never imagined.

Think about it: If we only choose to do so, we can take the time to draw away and have a very personal conversation with God, our Creator. Can you imagine anything more blessed?

Thanks for studying with us,

In Christ

Wes

[2012]

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