The Scriptural Truth

Personal Times of Solitude

Have you ever wondered how important are personal times of solitude? Matthew 14:23 tells us that “after sending them home, He (Jesus) went up into the hills by Himself to pray. Night fell while He was there alone.” Jesus took time out for quiet. Seeking solitude was an important priority for Jesus. He made room in His busy schedule to be alone with the Father. Folks, spending time with God in prayer nurtures a vital relationship and equips us to meet life’s challenges and struggles. We need to develop the discipline of spending time alone with God….. it will help you grow spiritually and become more and more like Christ!

Thoughts From Isaiah 24:16

“I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.”
Isaiah 42:16 NKJV

God will turn the darkness into light. Have you ever been in a situation that felt dark? Maybe you didn’t know what to do next. Maybe you were scared, frustrated, anxious or angry. You know what….God was there with you. He uses the difficult situations in our own lives for our own good. God does turn the darkness into light. He also guides the blind “by ways they have not known.” We may not feel like we’re blind, but compared to what God sees, our sight is limited. If we will take His hand, He will guide us along paths that we didn’t even know existed.

Folks, God will never leave you or forsake you. He will calm the seas. He will make the rough places smooth. He will turn the darkness into light. All you have to do is accept that He can. All you have to do is trust Him.

Thoughts From Romans 8:21

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”
Romans 8:1-2 NKJV

We are told that we are forgiven for our sins. But sometimes we don’t really “feel” forgiven. We still carry some of that old guilt around.

Thoughts From Matthew 5:13-15

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. [14] “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Matthew 5:13 – 15 NKJV

Is it a compliment to be called “salt”? How about “light”? It must be, since that’s what Jesus wants his followers to be.

Thoughts From Proverbs 15:1

“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”

Proverbs 15:1

Solomon teaches us that God wants us to speak to people gently, using gentle words. Harsh words stir up anger, even when that’s not our intention.

Think about how you feel when someone speaks harshly to you. You probably get angry and defensive. But if that same person spoke to you with gentle words, you probably wouldn’t get angry.