So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. – Luke 5:16
Although we all share several common traits as humans, the Lord creates each of us as unique individuals. And that is a really good thing.
Sometimes a verse or passage I read in the Bible makes me pause to meditate on the wonderous truths of the words being spoken to my heart.
The above Scripture is one such verse.
Seeking Solitude
For many, many years I have sought solitude in the wilderness.
I was never taught to do this, nor did I see it modeled for me whilst growing up. And I don’t know of too many other people who have such a strong draw to being “alone” in the wilds. It is just something deep inside me that is difficult to put into words.
I write alone in quotations, because during these times I am solo only in respect to other humans. My times spent there are some of the richest, most precious periods I’ve ever had in praying and connecting with the Lord.
This yearning for solitude in the wilderness is very strong, like longing for a drink of cool water on a hot day. For lack of more adequate words, I sometimes say that it’s like “recharging my batteries.”
What passage of Scripture has resonated with you lately?
To learn how you can have your own personal relationship with the God Who made the world and all that is in it, please see Got God?
Hope you have a great day.
Deer Speak
Thank you Tom. I don’t actively seek solitude and there are many things that recharge my batteries besides solitude, but I know exactly what you mean. We live in a busy world, and that is fine with me but as a hunter, I find solitude as a by-product of that activity. For me, there is nothing more peaceful than arriving at my hunting area an hour before daylight and settling in against a big pine tree. On a cold, crisp, windless morning, I try to guess what the first sign of life will be that breaks the silence. A nuthatch? A wolf howl? An elk bugle? But it is also the most perfect time to pray because in that silence there are absolutely no distractions. I know you get this, my fellow wanderer.
You described it well. It’s almost like another dimension of life when I can be there when no one else is around. I know it is a gift to see and hear and smell and feel the life of the wilderness as streaks of color in the pale sky begin to welcome in the morning. Then there is finding some secluded spot in the cool of the day, and as evening settles over the mountaintops and new songs and sounds arise. I still remember some of these sights and sounds whilst I lived in Africa. Nothing like it, either where I live now or over there. Thanks for taking the time to write.