How do we find silence and solitude in a world that only wants to distract us? 

The need to be “plugged in” has become not only habit, but a lifestyle for most of us. We stay plugged in by updating our social media daily, being available 24/7, watching the new show that everyone’s talking about, listening to the best podcasts, staying informed on what’s going on in the news, etc. The list goes on and on.

Has it become a discipline to stay connected and in touch with everything?

I would argue that it has.

Please note that when I say discipline, I do not mean spiritual by any means. If anything, I would categorize it into social discipline. But discipline, nonetheless. We’re behaving in a controlled way and obeying “rules” and expected standards. 

If that doesn’t stop you in your tracks, it should. The norm of today has eliminated the space for silence and solitude. It’s practically non-existent in our culture. 

The space that was once there has been filled with managing our behaviors that essentially inconvenience us.

It’s actually frightening to me how much time I can spend on my “social disciplines” but not on my spiritual. You know that little notification you get on your phone on Sunday mornings that says the amount of screen time you had that week? What if you got one that calculated your time with God? How would the two compare?

Truthfully, consistent solitude has taken a backseat in my life for a long time. And the real problem with that is I’m arranging God around my life instead of arranging my life around God. 

Since I always like to give you guys the “real stuff” when I write these blogs, let me tell you where I’m at right now. I’ve entered a new season—one that I thought I was doing my best to prepare for. Turns out, I am unprepared. 

I’ve been a mostly stay-at-home mom the past 13 years. But as of last week, my last baby entered full-day Kindergarten. My days are looking a little different now…at least until 3pm. 😉 

I tell you this because I’ve been feeling a little lost and asking the questions, “Who am I when I’m not mom? What does God want for me in this stage?” I think the best way for me to find out is by distancing myself from worldly distractions and being alone with God—quieting myself enough so I can hear Him when He speaks to me. 

The verse that hangs on the wall by my bedroom door says, “Be still, and know that I’m God.” Psalm 46:10.

There is no better time than now to be still. For myself, but also for you. 

Maybe you need to take time to withdraw from life so you can find God again. Maybe you need time alone with God so you can let your mind wander and dream. Or maybe you just want to enjoy God’s presence. 

Can we make space for God? Let’s push aside our social disciplines to prioritize our spiritual disciplines. 

When we do that, I believe that anything that’s been a little blurry or unclear in our lives, God will bring into focus. 

Jen