Solitude

Do you find solitude or even like it? Solitude is a discipline of the heart. It is a habit that requires effort, like finding silence. But perhaps the most important discipline is surrendering to God our selfishness and need for doing. James said, “Faith without works (deeds) is useless or dead” (James 2:20). But he also said to submit and surrender our neediness to God and to seek Him always. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). We need to surrender our agendas to God that the motivations of our hearts are His. Intimacy with The Almighty, a devotional book by Chuck Swindoll reminds us to seek and submit to God in silence, solitude and surrender like Jesus did so often to get away from the crowds and His detractors.

I find solitude in two places, our basement and on the pre-dawn road biking. It is actually my bike rides that produce most solitude. I see a car or two most rides in the darkness between 0400-0600. I have the stars and moon to gaze upon as well as the shadows over the nearby Milwaukee River and Lac du Cours, a 40-acre former quarry. The geese and ducks along with cormorants and gulls cover the lake with their cacophony of calls. Yet this is solitude with the moonlight reflecting off the lake. I see the riffles and the islands rising above the darkness.

So, solitude must be sought and savored for the wonderful peace it brings. Take in the silence and peace of being alone on a road that is usually full of traffic. Know that God has ordained this moment of peace and pleasure. Yes, pleasure in the presence of God. The silver of reflected light off the lake is from God. It is not for every one, it is for you. Absorb and rejoice in the grace that He is bestowing on you. Take the silver and the gold and know that it is not currency of the world but of the Spirit. Enjoy the light bringing alive the pastures and plains, edging on the forests. The light flickers slowly as the life flows by. I don’t know the stories of the homes where the lights come on or not. The road passes by and I strain to rise the hill and then the flat before the fall, faster and faster. I level out; my body flexed not knowing of the undulations and then the new road of smooth back-top. Along the lake and river I run, the light of Lord He runs with me. Yes, it is the Spirit of the Lord helping me find peace in the patterns of life.

Children suffer and grandchildren stare. What is going on, I need to know. But God will tell us as the morning breaks of the goodness of God and promises of life, everlasting. “ God is new every morning, great is His faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:21). Be at peace child of God. AMEN