Spiritual Disciplines – Silence and Solitude

25_01_04 -Ep.345 - Run With Horses Podcast - Spiritual Disciplines – Silence and Solitude

 

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Susan’s New book – Parenting Manual

https://a.co/d/8L7GWIo

 

Norman’s New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It’s a practical, quick read!

https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04

 

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Today we consider the Spiritual Disciplines of Silence and Solitude, what they are and how to use them!

 

Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!

 

Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

 

**(27:00 – 23:00)**

 

Caregiver’s Corner

 

**(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1

Silence and Solitude

Section 1: Understanding Silence and Solitude

1. Definition of Silence and Solitude

• Silence: A spiritual discipline involving intentional quietness to hear God without external noise or distractions.

• Solitude: A spiritual practice of being alone with God for reflection, prayer, and listening.

  Deepening Relationship: Silence and solitude provide an opportunity to deepen one's relationship with God. In the quiet, distractions are minimized, allowing for a more focused and intimate communion with God.

   

2. Biblical Foundations

• Jesus' Example:

  • Mark 1:35: "Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed."

  • Luke 5:16: "So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed."

• Elijah's Encounter with God:

  • 1 Kings 19:12: "And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice."

• David’s Meditations:

  • Psalm 62:1: "Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation."

3. Theological Significance

• Silence and solitude create space to hear God’s voice and discern His will.

• They reflect dependence on God rather than on human activity.

• They align with humility and submission to God’s leading.

• Priesthood of all Believers – you can enter the presence of God!

4. Making a Space in the Noise

• Fighting Distraction: In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven society, the constant stream of information can be overwhelming. Regularly practicing solitude and silence helps Christians resist the cultural pressures of noise and distraction, allowing them to build a more profound spiritual life.

• Creating Space for God: The digital age has made it increasingly challenging to find moments of quiet. By intentionally setting aside time for solitude, Christians can reclaim their focus on God amidst the chaos of modern life.

5. Practical Examples of Silence and Solitude

• Morning devotion in a quiet room or outdoors.

• Retreats dedicated to prayer and reflection.

• Taking moments during the day to pause and seek God in silence.

• Listening to God: These practices create space to hear God's voice and discern His will. In a world filled with noise and busyness, silence allows believers to be more receptive to God's guidance and presence.

   

Section 2: Practicing Silence and Solitude in Daily Life

1. Tying Silence and Solitude to Other Disciplines

• Developing Spiritual Disciplines: Solitude is a key spiritual discipline that helps Christians grow in their faith. It encourages practices such as prayer, meditation, and Bible study, which are essential for spiritual maturity.

• Prayer: Silence prepares the heart to pray authentically and listen to God’s response.

  • Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

• Bible Reading: Solitude allows for focused study and meditation on God’s Word.

  • Joshua 1:8: "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night."

• Meditation: Reflecting on Scripture in silence deepens understanding and application.

• Journaling: Writing out your lessons learned and questions that come up as you read and study God’s Word

2. Overcoming Challenges

• Addressing distractions: Practical tips for creating a quiet space.

• Struggles with being alone: Encouragement to view solitude as time with God.

3. Corporate Applications

• Encouraging church retreats focused on silence and prayer.

• Teaching congregations to incorporate moments of silence into worship services.

4. Spiritual Benefits of Silence and Solitude

• Clarity in decision-making. Aligning with God's Will: Silence and solitude help believers align their desires and actions with God's will, ensuring that their service is effective and God-honoring.

 

• Renewed strength and peace.

  • Isaiah 30:15: "For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.’"

• Deeper intimacy with God.

• Personal Reflection: Solitude offers a chance for self-examination and reflection on one's life and spiritual journey. It allows believers to assess their actions, thoughts, and motivations in light of their faith.

• Repentance and Renewal: In the quiet, individuals can confront their sins and shortcomings, leading to repentance and spiritual renewal.

• Physical and Spiritual Rest: Silence and solitude provide rest for both the body and the soul. Solitude provides a necessary break from the busyness of life, allowing for both physical rest and spiritual rejuvenation. As noted in Psalm 23:2-3, God leads His people beside still waters to restore their souls

• Peace and Clarity: These practices can bring peace and clarity, helping believers to navigate life's challenges with a calm and focused mind.

• Equipping for Ministry: Just as Jesus used times of solitude to prepare for His ministry, followers of Jesus can use these times to equip themselves for service. It is a time to seek God's strength and wisdom for the tasks ahead.

•  

5. Closing Thoughts

• Silence and solitude are essential disciplines for followers of Jesus because they foster a deeper relationship with God, provide opportunities for reflection and renewal, and prepare believers for effective service.

• Encouragement to begin small and remain consistent.

6. Reflection Questions for Listeners

• How can you incorporate silence and solitude into your daily routine?

• What steps can your church take to encourage these disciplines corporately?

 

 

**(00:00) END PART 1**

 

**(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2**

 

 

 

 

**(5:00 – 1:00)**

 

Doctrine of the Month -

 

The Church Defined

Key question: What is the Church?

Definition of the Church: A local body of baptized believers, united in covenant for worship, discipleship, and the mission of Christ.

 

 

The Universal Church

 

Ephesians 1:22-23

"And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."

Explanation: All believers united under Christ as the head.

 

The Local Church

 

Acts 2:41-42

"Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."

Explanation: Local expressions of the universal Church gathered for worship, teaching, and fellowship.

 

**(1:00)**

 

- “Thank you for listening today! Is your life too noisy and too busy? Do you need to carve out a space to really seek God? Consider intentionally seeking a time alone to pursue Jesus without the clamor of outside pressure. Get away with your Bible and a journal and allow God to refresh you as only He can!

 

-If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.

 

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