Solitude and "the Wilderness"

JAN. 10

The Transformed Life; Lesson 8

Read: Mark 6:30-46

Solitude

“And (Jesus) said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” - Mark 6:31

Our spirit is strengthened by solitude. It is the spirit of a person that connects with God and communicated with the Spirit of God within us. The Holy Spirit is always a source of discernment, wisdom, healing, and strength. (cf. Samson and his strength in Judges)

It is in times of solitude - in the stillness and lack of distraction - that we are strengthened and renewed.

Our spirits must learn to listen and receive this healing, strengthening, and direction. Notice how it was what Jesus instructed his disciples to do after coming back from a powerful season of ministry. (cf. Mark 6:31) They had been “drained” in a way and needed to be renewed.

Jesus was inviting them into a rhythm that he knew well. Jesus himself - God incarnate - models for us the way that solitude strengthens and directs the spirit.

Sometimes these times of solitude or “withdrawing to a desolate place” are times of simply resting and eating; but Jesus demonstrates for us so much more. (Mark 6:31b)

It is a place for prayer-

Jesus “often withdrew to desolate places and prayed” (Luke 5:16) We need to withdraw at times to the places that do not have distractions or temptations so that we can have a conversation with the Lord. It just doesn’t seem like this happens well in the middle of the “hustle and bustle” of daily life.

It is a place to be renewed after ministry and miracles-

We see above that Jesus affirms this idea with his disciples and he practiced it himself. (cf. Mark 1:35) We are energized and directed to what is next when we have times where we are still, withdraw, and talk with the Lord.

It is a place to mourn and bring our sadness, anxiety, and fear -

When Jesus hears of the beheading of John the Baptist he heads out into the wilderness and into solitude to mourn. (cf. Matt. 14:13) Likewise, as Jesus approaches the cross, he withdraws into solitude to pray in the garden of Gethsemane as he faces his fear and anxiety. (cf. Luke 22:39-44) Jesus is seeking the affirmation and strength he needs to face the mission that God has for him!

It is a place to receive wisdom, discernment, and direction -

As Jesus was about to choose the 12 disciples that the Father had for him, he sought time in prayer in the wilderness (solitude, away from distraction) to discern who he was to call to himself. (cf. Luke 6:12-13) When we face important decisions… we have choices to make… we need to model Jesus and seek ought solitude in “the wilderness”.

When our spirits are not strengthened, renewed, comforted, and directed by times of solitude that are free of distraction (ie. the “wilderness”) we are left with nothing but “leaning on our own understanding and strength”. Proverbs 3:5,6 shows us this. (Remember that in the scriptures heart and spirit are used interchangeably.) “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Our bodies will walk on straight paths illuminated for our minds (our souls) when we trust in the Lord with all of our heart (our spirit). Find some time today to withdraw. Step away from the distractions, be still, and talk with the Lord. Be sure that you leave space for both sides of the conversation! This means LISTENING as much as it means talking. If you are in need of strengthening, healing, need to be renewed after having poured out so much, mourning, fearful, anxious, need direction about a decision, or discernment in general… seek out solitude in whatever “wilderness” you can find! When you read that list you realize EVERYONE needs it… on a pretty regular basis. This is life in the spirit… the transformed life. Love you guys. - JDP