"And he said to them, 'Come away by yourselves
to a desolate place and rest a while.' "
Proverbs 13:22
Are you bored?
If so, what is your go to distraction? According to recent studies most people reach for their smartphone if they feel any sense of boredom for a quick fix of mental engagement.
The average smartphone user touches their phone screen over 2,500 times a day! But what about being alone with your thoughts without the need for distraction? How long can you go “unplugged” or “disconnected?”
Essential Margin
An essential part of creating margin in your life is carving out some alone time to spend with your Creator. Jesus not only taught the importance of alone time, but he also modeled it with his disciples (Matt. 4:2, Mark 6:46, Luke 4:42). This critical part of creating margin is developing the spiritual disciplines of silence and solitude.
How do we do that?
Well, the silence part has two dimensions: external and internal.
The external is simply eliminating the noise that often surrounds us. Turn off everything that can distract you and settle into a truly quiet place. That may be really difficult for some, but Jesus did it repeatedly.
Now the internal is often the greatest challenge, quieting the constant mental chatter that is so distracting.
External: turn everything off and find a quiet place.
Internal: good luck with that one! But really try to focus on communicating with God.
Solitude
Next, solitude; being alone with God.
By the way, solitude is not isolation or loneliness. Isolation and loneliness can be a dangerous place and often a playground for Satan. But that is not what we are talking about here.
In his book Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster states, “Loneliness is inner emptiness. Solitude is inner fulfillment.” Solitude is having an open ear and open heart to what God is pouring into you, growing in you.
Connect - Don't Distract
So, to minimize your boredom and constant need for a mental distraction, follow the pattern of Jesus and focus on your spiritual growth by fostering a closer relationship with God the Father.
Practice the spiritual disciplines of silence and solitude as you create margin in your life.
Jeff Riddle
MD5 Facilitator
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