SOLITUDE: THE PRACTICE OF GOD
Quote: Mark 1:35
Our individualistic society
Wealthy CEO, happy family, successful entrepreneur, popular student
List goes on and on
What’s the issue?
They are empty inside
There’s something missing
Are you experiencing that in your life?
Discipline of Solitude
Jesus: our Teacher
Mt. 4; 14:13, 23; 17:1-9; 26:36-46; Mk. 1:35; Lk. 5:16; 6:12
Mk. 1:35
“Early morning”- Sunday morning
He had a busy Saturday: 1:14-1:34
Your busy day
We forget to spend time with God
“Still dark”- 4 or 5 am ???
Jesus’ priorities
The importance of getting away from it all
“Went out”- the house or Capernaum?
Probably both
Out of your house & Petersburg
“Praying there”- for what?
Morning devos, to avoid temptation
Eve of 1st Galilean Tour
He was spending time in solitude
Not only talking, but being filled
Jesus was human and could become empty too if not careful
Jesus spent time in solitude before the crisis or event happened
Too often we wait till we are in the midst of it to call on God
Jesus- Temptation, Galilean tour & before crucifixion
We too can prepare by spending time with God ahead of time
So what is solitude? What am I asking you to do?
It is allowing yourself to be filled with God
Ruled, conquered and driven by Him
What drives you?
Pride, money, popularity, spouse, friends, academics, self
We allow ourselves to be driven by things that can never fill us
Solitude empties your mind of that garbage, and replaces it with God
Ultimate goal in solitude: an unbreakable connection with God
When surrounded by others, you are still in tune with God!
No hidden mantras, no hidden positions or rules
Just allowing God to rule your life and take control
Close with story about Boris Becker
Are you empty today?
Are things in your life not as filling as you thought they would be?
Only God can fulfill you and keep you from feeling empty
Won’t you allow Him to do that today?
