Blessed Solitude

He went up on a mountainside by

himself to pray. When evening came, he

was there alone.

Matthew 14:23

It was the spring break of my junior year in college when I agreed to go on a Gospel Team trip to various areas in Kentucky. The team was made up of four students and a college staff representative. On this trip, we held services in four small churches. It was always a fun trip to take along with an opportunity to witness and serve the Lord in various other ways.

While we were driving between engagements, I noticed a small sign that we passed and asked the driver to turn around to go back so I could see the sign again. It said what I thought it did: “Gethsemane Abbey.” Our Bible professor had mentioned such a place during a Bible class and that the place was located in Kentucky. That was enough for me. I insisted we go down the road that appeared to wind around some Kentucky hills. Suddenly around one hill and in the distance, there seemed to appear a beautiful white castle with high white walls and a cathedral-type roof and spire that could be seen above the walls. That was it...the monastery.

We drove up to a small entry that was the door to a gift shop. Inside we found shelf after shelf of cheeses the men in the monastery had made for sale to help with monastery expenses. There were three men of the order there in charge of the gift shop who were allowed to talk to us. We were told we could walk into the large cathedral which, size-wise looked like it should be in a large city. Things may have changed now but it was very typical of a large Roman Catholic church in the way of decor. We were cautioned, however, that we were not to approach any of the monks nor try to speak to any even from a distance. This monastery was one where no vocal conversation was allowed. The men could sing and participate vocally in church services but beyond that, no conversation was allowed.

We were told that the men used a lot of sign language, anywhere from “Pass the chain saw” to “Pass the salt and pepper.” Men all had their jobs and responsibilities but when not working could be seen under trees and various areas on the grounds with their religious materials where they would read, meditate and pray. These things were the main responsibility of the men in the abbey. Men could be seen all over the place in their uniform robes but the place was eerily quiet. As I've thought back, I've admired their dedication in giving up so much, working hard and devoting themselves to strict spiritual disciplines. However, I'm not sure there is a need for the strict isolation from a world that is so very needy in so many ways, but that was my opinion only. 

Visiting that place left more than a lasting impression on me. I admired the monks greatly for their sacrifices despite my not understanding the purpose of it all. I know they pray for hundreds of people every day and night and have other disciplines they take part in, but...

I'm not going to get on them or the lives they've chosen just in case you might expect that. Instead of being critical of them, I found myself being critical of myself and the lack of spiritual discipline in my own life. I don't have walls, nor do I have to wear specific attire. I have work and responsibilities but what do I do with the time I have left over and yes, we all have some leftover time whether we choose to admit it or not. What do I do with that time? Can I be found under a tree reading my Bible and meditating? Can I be found sitting somewhere... anywhere... in prayer ? How long can I be somewhere in quiet solitude before the Lord so that He can speak to my heart?

Philippians 1:5 begins by saying, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus...” and thus begins Paul's directives regarding our being Christ-like in our living. You might check it out in some “quiet” moments. Our mandate as Christians is to be like Him in every way possible.

Wellllll...how about His example of often getting away alone to pray as can be seen in our opening verse. This verse speaks of His getting off to Himself. In this verse alone, we see how He did this:

1. He went up on a mountainside.
   He looked for a different place to be. Our verse says that He went up, so He went to some effort to get to where He wanted to be.
2. He went up alone.
   We like to keep people around us or at least where we can see them. We find real comfort and security in having people near. When on retreats, I've looked for private places to go to read and pray. Let me tell you though, it never hurts for me to see some folks in the distance even though I may not wave or speak to them.
3. Jesus had a purpose in going off to one side.
   He went up on the mountainside alone to pray. That's just it, short and sweet. Jesus may have needed to get away from the crowds and even the disciples for a time but we are told He drew aside to pray.
   How determined am I to carve out some little niches of time for prayer and devotion. Those men in that monastery in the Kentucky hills are fairly regulated in their scheduling. I would imagine if I were TOLD when and how to show my devotion to God, it could get tedious, boring and not worth much. I have learned in my own life that no matter how busy I am, I usually make room to do the things I really want to do and that's been true of my praying, Bible reading and times of meditation. I don't need the walls, robes or a beautiful cathedral. I can pull off to one side to spend time with my Lord anytime and anywhere. I am blessed with the opportunity to go off into the mountains whenever I want, but everyone has their special place or places where they can go and mountains are not a requirement.
4. Notice our verse says He was there until evening.
   This indicates to us that He probably went earlier in the day and that He didn't have any time constraints. He took the time He needed for this spiritual exercise.
   May I suggest that every Christian needs an extended period of time every now and then or when needed to get away from the routine to focus on the Lord? I used to suggest to folks that they have their own private retreat every now an then, taking 4-5 hours away from home. I've suggested taking Bible, notebook, lunch, new Bible study booklet from the bookstore that is a fill in blank thing. Take no CD's or DVD's. If you want music, sing to yourself. Keep the distractions down...just a time for you. No kids allowed...this isn't meant to be a family outing.

I trust you and I will try to make some time for blessed solitude where the Lord has our undivided attention. Not only do we have a lot to share with Him, but He wants in the worse way to speak with us in that still, small voice of His. These can be some precious moments...our times of solitude.

Dear Jesus...Thank You for the example You have set for us in Scripture in so many ways that we often miss. Not only did You pray alone on several occasions but for the most part, You died alone and did that for each of us. Thank You for the privilege of spending time with You anytime we want. Give us a desire to pull to one side to spend quality time with You. We love You. Amen.