Solitude

     How many times have we hoped for more time to spend either in prayer, in the Word or both? I know I always feel like I never have enough time to dedicate to real in-depth study or prayer. It is usually 20 mins here, 30 mins there. Doing BSF, I set aside an hour once or twice a week to get my lesson and children's prep done, but it isn't extra time to just pour myself into wherever God would lead. 

     I listen to Skip Heitzig every morning on my way to work and he is currently teaching with the COVID situation in view. His lessons have been about Biblical quarantines, abiding by the authoritative decisions of our government and the idea of time alone with God. This made me think about all the people who are currently sequestered in their homes. One of the women in my BSF group mentioned that she has divided the Bible into 21 sections (based on the number of days that our state has declared "shelter in place") and is focused on reading through the Bible in that time. She said it takes her about 2 hours every day to read each section and she is having a blessed time. Wow! What a great idea!

     I am not sequestered at home. Work for me is still Monday-Friday 40 hours per week. Part of me wishes that I was one of the ones laid off so I could spend that precious time with the Lord. But would I? I have time that could be set aside for more study or prayer, but I don't. When I have a free day, I usually plan projects. But do I ever plan 1 or 2 hours to just be with the Lord? Rarely.
     Are you sequestered at home? If so, how are you spending your time? Pastor Heitzig reminded his listeners of the time that Jesus spent in the wilderness and that Paul, prior to starting his ministry went to Arabia for some time to prepare for the Lord's work. As well, Jesus broke away from the crowds on many occasions to be alone with his Father. What great examples of the need for and the importance of solitude. So, if you are faced with solitude, be thankful and seek the Lord's plan for that time. You know He has one and it is probably filled with doing more than cleaning, painting, reading a novel or watching TV.
     If you are like me and are blessed with the opportunity to still be working, it doesn't allow us an excuse to ignore the need for solitude. We need to MAKE that time happen. Today, I took my dogs for a long walk then went fishing in a snowstorm! It was a great day spending time alone with my heavenly Father. As the world get crazier and crazier, quiet time with the Lord is ever more so important. How will you make that time today?

2020

     What immediately comes to mind when you hear the words "Twenty-twenty"? Is it the year we are currently living in? The idea of "hindsight"? Or "perfect" vision? The other day, I heard a pastor talking about "2020" and our relationship with God and I thought that was a profound thing to consider. The year of 2020 may just be the year to have hindsight that is 2020, to give us 2020 vision!
     For me, the year has been off to a rather difficult start. Nothing major, but I have been busy with work, challenged by life, and overall, a little tired in my Christian walk. (You may have noticed that in my posts since January.) Anyhow, I do truly feel that the Lord is prompting me to a deeper walk with Him and I think that is one of the things that makes me tired: The idea of going deeper. Especially now, with the COVID concerns and the havoc that it has caused in my work life, I find myself even more consumed with the daily things, therefore even more tired. What a better time for God to ask me /us to go deeper. Will it be spiritually beneficial? Of course! But NOW?
     It makes me think of the movie U-571. The movie is about a submarine in our Navy during WWII. The scene I recall is when there is a big galley fire and it is at this time that the captain decides to have an emergency drill. Another officer questions his timing and he responds that this is the PERFECT time to test the crew; that they need to be pushed to their limits when it isn't a true emergency so they will be ready for the real emergency. Of course, his philosophy proves true in the movie and the crew is successful in the real crisis. God is so very wise and when I am tired, He pushes me beyond my tiredness.
     How does this correlate to my topic? In the year 2020, I feel that we, as Christians, need to seriously depend on our hindsight to help us have the proper sight for what is coming. In the midst of chaos, more chaos will come and we need to be ready. We need to look to the past miracles God has performed in our lives (and you know He has performed them; big and little) to remind us of His power and sovereignty not only in our lives but in the world. In order for us to see through the chaos, we need to have a good vision and that only comes from being in a VERY close relationship with Him. That takes time and energy. So tired or not, it is what I/we should do. Go deeper and gain better vision because I believe 2020 will require it.