The Holy Spirit...Solitude

Introduction to the idea of Solitude and Silence

Is it important?

Is it necessary?

1. Am I Called to Solitude?

Luke 4:1 ESV

And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness

Mark 1:35 ESV

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

Luke 4:42 ESV

And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them,

Luke 5:16 ESV

But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.

Example: Spurgeon’s sermon illustration about end of sermon conviction…what then?

2. Am I Positioned to Hear God’s Voice?

Over stimulation vs.

1 Kings 19:`11

1 Kings 19:11–13 ESV

And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Example: Silence: just listen to others without speaking

What are you “passionate” about? Passion: Latin: To suffer

Passion is a misused word

3. Am I Ready to Follow Jesus into Intimacy?

“He aches over our distance and preoccupation. He mourns that we do not draw near to Him. He grieves that we have forgotten Him. He weeps over our obsession with muchness and manyness. He longs for our presence.” Richard Foster

Romans 5:5 ESV

and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Do you have time alone with God on a regular basis?

4. Am I Open to God’s Heart?

1 Samuel

1 Samuel 13:14 ESV

But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”

David grew up in solitude. Shepherding sheep.

Am I a man/woman/teenager/child after God’s heart?

5. Do I Need Strength for Temptation?

“Too often I looked at being relevant, popular, and powerful as ingredients of an effective ministry. The truth, however, is that these are not vocations, but temptations.” Nenry Nouwen

Solitude is that discipline which draws us into God’s presence in times of testing.

James 4:8 ESV

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Application:

Lets start basic:

Psalm

Psalm 23 NLT

A psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

Start with 10 to 15 minutes a day

Stretch to half an hour, then an hour

A half day? A full day?

A Bible, a journal, a pen is all you need