What is it about solitude and silence that makes us feel uncomfortable? The fear of living in solitude petrifies most people. Our fear of loneliness drives us to seek noise and crowds. We maintain a constant stream of sounds, even when we don’t pay attention. We have smartphones, earbuds, and social media platforms. Siri and Alexa are here to answer our questions, control gadgets in our homes, and even tell us knock-knock jokes. Then there’s Gemini, which promises to be our best friend.

Jesus calls us from loneliness to a place of solitude and rest.

 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” ~Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

I love this paraphrase of the passage. It describes the rhythms of grace we experience when engaging in spiritual practices on the Jesus Way.

SOLITUDE

Solitude is a fundamental spiritual practice that is essential for spiritual formation. Although we may believe that reading God’s Word and prayer are more important, without silence and its companion, solitude, it becomes quite difficult to discern what the Spirit conveys to us as we read and pray.

We must not confuse solitude with loneliness. Loneliness is inner emptiness, while solitude is inner fulfillment. By nurturing inner solitude with Jesus, He liberates us from loneliness and fear.

The desire for solitude reflects a yearning for God. It embodies the wish to experience intimacy with Him, free from distractions. In this space, one can hear the divine whisper of Jesus more clearly.

Solitude is a state of mind and heart. There is a kind of solitude that can be experienced at all times. Crowds, or the lack thereof, have little to do with this inner solitude. One might live as a desert hermit yet never truly know solitude.

However, solitude is also a place. It is a moment in time designated for God and Him alone. We disconnect and retreat from the noise, busyness, and distractions of being around others. It is a space where God’s Spirit and our own spirit coexist. Whether we are alone or with others, we always carry a portable sanctuary within our hearts. Jesus embraced this inward heart solitude.

Solitude is also a physical location. Jesus often sought places of solitude.

Before beginning His earthly ministry, Jesus was led by the Spirit to go into the wilderness to fast and pray for 40 days.

Jesus went to places of solitude to seek God. There, He discovered the peace and presence of God. When we seek solitude, we, too, will find that peace and presence.

Solitude involves releasing our outer distractions, while silence involves releasing our inner distractions.

SILENCE

Silence is the constant companion of solitude. The two are inseparable. Without silence, there can be no genuine solitude. The practice of solitude and silence forms the foundation of the Jesus Way.

Although silence entails the absence of speech, it always requires the act of listening.

We often think of silence as simply being still, but it extends far beyond mere quietness. The practice of silence represents a radical reversal of our cultural tendencies. Silence requires relinquishing our so-called control over our relationship with God to Him. Silence is the inner act of letting go. We seek the quiet to discover God.

By engaging in this practice, we create a space for listening to God and being present with our inner longings.

Silence deepens our experience of solitude. We learn to rest in God. Jesus understands that the sources of our exhaustion are numerous. We often remain completely unaware of how they exact their toll. We might be adhering to a perceived duty of what it means to be a good follower of Jesus (or spouse, friend, or professional) with all the “oughts and shoulds.” It takes a lot of energy when we feel guilty about being tired, ill, or grieving, and attempt to suppress those feelings instead of addressing them. Eventually, all that effort wears us out.

We come to Jesus in silence to restore our souls.

We often underestimate the impact of our constantly plugged-in world. I recently listened to a podcast featuring a man who conducted an experiment. He decided to embark on a seven-week fast from technology. Before he began, he had his brain scanned for reference. There was an enlarged area in his brain that looked noticeable but wasn’t concerning. He fasted from technology and then spent four weeks living with monks in a monastery, followed by three weeks in an Amish village. The man described the withdrawals and panic attacks he experienced. Well into the fast, he began to enjoy the slower pace and appreciate each moment. Upon his return, he had another brain scan, and the enlarged part of his brain had shrunk significantly. While the experiment was not scientifically verified, the man’s experience warrants attention. What are we doing to ourselves by relying so heavily on technology?

When silence becomes a habit, we grow more sensitive and intentional with our words.

Silence is ultimately connected to trust. We will never allow God to take control until we trust Him. Practicing silence is one of the clearest signs (besides love) that we are following the Jesus Way.

Jesus invites you to slow down. Draw near to Him through solitude and silence. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start where you are, not where you feel you “should” be. Be realistic about your actual life. What can you honestly do? Let that be enough.

Come to Jesus. Cherish true rest.