Word of the Week - Solitude and Reflection (Solo Retreats)
“After Jesus had dismissed the crowds, He went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When the evening came, he was still there alone” Matthew 14:23
In the busyness of our day to day lives and our desire to be more productive and “do more” for God and others, we can easily miss the importance of solitude and personal reflection. We can learn from Jesus’ example of taking time to retreat from the crowds and day to day activity to go away to a quiet, solitary place to pray, reflect and listen for the voice of God. It is easy to miss some of the most important things God is trying to tell us if we don’t take time to get in a quiet environment to posture ourselves to hear from God.
Jesus withdrew from people, daily life activities and the demands of His ministry to be alone with the Father and pray. His solitude and silence are prevalent throughout the Gospels. His ongoing, intimate relationship with His Abba father was the source of His compassion, wisdom, and power. Withdrawing in solitude is how Jesus began His ministry, how He made important decisions and dealt with troubling emotions like grief. How He dealt with the constant demands of ministry and cared for His soul. It is even how He prepared for His death on the cross.
I started doing 24-hour solos over 20 years ago and it has become a meaningful part of my life and faith journey. God has revealed some amazing things to me over the years through my solo retreats. This is on my mind today as I am preparing to take a year-end solo this week, and I am looking forward to hearing what God might have to share with me.
For me, this is a day when I retreat away to a quiet place to reflect on my life as it relates to the bigger picture:
1) Life purpose (why am I here and what has God uniquely called me to do), 2) Vision (gaining clarity in my picture of a preferable future), 3) Mission (how I live day to day, and structure my life to realize my vision), 4) Values (what defines who I am and want to become), and 5) Goals (what I hope to accomplish in the future (weeks/months/years) to live out my God purpose and vision). I try to do this several times a year but always at the end of the year. I believe in it so much that we make it a mandatory paid day away for our team members at Founders, see attached Founders Solo guide with personal Values exercise. If we want to grow and mature to realize our life potential in Christ, I believe it is paramount that we all take time out to examine our lives and hear from God. “A life not examined is not worth living”. Socrates
Here are a few practical tips for your solo (this is what I do):
Set aside time on your calendar – Do your best to plan at least 24 hours of uninterrupted time away. Let your family and team know you are taking a day of solitude.
Quiet Place - Go to a place that is quiet and has limited distractions – farmhouse, cabin in the woods, lake home, retreat center, Pursell Farms etc.
Limited Distractions - Put away your phone and technology and plan to disconnect for your time away – do not do work or take calls – enter into Sabbath rest (not trying to be productive just restful and reflective)
Posture - Spend the first part of your time entering) “His courts with praise and Thanksgiving” – Turn on your favorite praise music and just worship and praise the Lord. Thank Him for your blessings. Count your blessings by writing down everything you can think of that you are thankful for.
Read some scripture that inspires you – I love reading John 15, Proverbs 3, Galatians 5, Ephesians
Write down anything that stand out to you from the scripture
Review and Reflection
Review your personal Vision, Mission, Values, Purpose, goals, life plan etc. – if you don’t have one then you can start by developing a draft
Review your calendar for the past year – analyze how you spent your time and if you invested time in the areas of priority
Spend time thinking about your calendar for the upcoming year and how you want to prioritize and adjust your daily/weekly/monthly/quarterly rhythms
Review your photos and special memories from the past year – I go through my photo album on my phone for the year and reflect on all the special times I spent with friends and family. This exercise helps me get my past year into perspective and also prompts me with remembering my blessings. This is a fun and enjoyable exercise.
It may prompt you to reach out to a friend or family member and share the memory/picture with them.
Review your personal financials - Where did you spend, invest, and give money. Typically, we invest/spend/give money on things that we value. This exercise helps us assess if we are living out our values in our finances. As believers we are called to steward our resources and blessings in a way that aligns with God’s values.
Look at daily, weekly, monthly rhythms and load them into your calendar - (first fruits time, date nights with spouse, recreation time, retreats, family time etc) If it is not on your calendar then it probably is not a priority
Journal Review – if you keep a journal, it is great to review it and look for patterns and insights that may help you
Listen and Dream
Think about the possibilities for you and your family – Vision – Heritage Vision
Take walks to pray and listen to hear what God has for you
Listen for a theme or word from the Lord – I try to get a word for the year to focus on such as: Gentleness, Graciousness, pruning etc.
“Jesus went on from there and walked beside the Sea of Galilee. And He went up on the mountain and sat down there.” Matthew 15:29
Capture it - Write a one-page summary from your time away and file it somewhere where you can pull it out to review during the year and at your next solo
Be still and know that I am God.” I will be exalted among the Nations; I will be exalted in the earth”. Psalm 46:1
I hope this adds value to you and blesses you as much as it has blessed me over the years.
Have a great week as we enter the Holiday Season!!!!!
Duane