January 14, 2009

Solitude and Quietness

"We Christians must simplify our lives or lose untold treasures on earth and in eternity. Modern civilization is so complex as to make the devotional life all but impossible. The need for solitude and quietness was never greater than it is today." AW Tozer

conviction: the state of being convinced of error or compelled to admit the truth.
I don't like New Year's resolutions. Mostly because I have no self-discipline, and therefore they don't work for me....I fail every time, so why bother. But how could anyone read the quote above and not feel convicted? Who among us spends enough time in solitude and quietness before God? What is quietness anyway when you have a family of five? Tozer is right, it is all but impossible to find.
So I'm thinking.....maybe that is why the treasurers will be great if we simplify. Because it isn't easy and God will reward the extra effort it takes to find solitude with Him.
As I have pondered how I am going to make this lifestyle change, I decided to look up the definition of resolution, just out of curiosity. I am shocked. Look what I found:
resolution: the act of reducing to simpler form; the act of determining; firmness of resolve.
Many have made New Year's Resolutions that they won't keep. But I have DETERMINED that my life will run much smoother with more time set aside for solitude and quietness before God. And I have every confidence that He will meet me there and our time together will be awesome.

3 comments:

  1. I am right with you on New Year's resolutions! But also know that some things in my life need to be "simpler". I am in a bible study with some women and we are doing a "Character makeover." Talk about digging into your personal weaknesses! I agree with you that only by finding that solitude with God on a regular basis will my "makeover" happen.

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  2. A short time ago Jim forwarded me an article from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. To sum it up you are to think of one word for the upcomming year that you will focus on. It could be one of the fruits of the Spirit, etc. Your thoughts on solitude have given me my word for the New Year. Thanks!

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  3. Grace. That is my word for this year. Kelly, I think you are right that whatever one word the Lord has placed on your heart and into your mind that every step, every decision and every breath must be filtered through this one word. Resolve. I keep thinking the old hymn of "Trust & Obey". Trust HIM in all things; obey in all things. That would make life simpler would it not? :)

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I am so glad you that you stopped by today! What's on your mind?

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