Spiritual Strengthening

God, I’m not trying to rule the roost, I don’t want to be king of the mountain.... I’ve kept my feet on the ground, I’ve cultivated a quiet heart. PSALM 131:1–2 THE MESSAGE  

Solitude has more perks than just getting away from things that are trying our nerves or draining our patience. It’s far more beneficial than a break from the mayhem. Naturally, our bodies feel an immediate sense of relief, our breathing slows, and the tension starts to release its hold when we disengage. These are the obvious good things. But the best good thing about calming down physically and setting our hearts and minds on God and His Word is that we open up spiritually.  

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NIV). That’s a lot of good stuff coming through! Joy, peace, and overflowing hope are the kind of things we want to have in us at all times. But life brings the peace busters—job pressures, unexpected news, and a world growing darker. When things that are out of our control start to mount, our reactions aren’t always in keeping with the Spirit-led response we’d like to have.  

Solitude gives us a restart in our relationship with God. In that quiet place we calm down and pray up. God meets us in the silence, strengthening our spirits. There isn’t a more powerful pick-me-up. So many things in our life, no matter how pressing they seem, can wait while we recharge. Simple things satisfy us on a deeper level than we realize. Things like going into the kitchen to make something comforting, taking a quick nap, getting outside for a few minutes, going for a bike ride, or just sitting quietly. 

Jesus knew how necessary it was to spend time with God, and we want to follow His example. We can’t stay physically well if we don’t stay spiritually strong. Worry is draining and stress is unhealthy. God wants to relieve us of both—it is up to us to turn it all over to Him as often as we need to. 

Dear God, I surrender all the big and little things in my life to Your care and control today. Thank You for the strength and hope You give. 

This is an excerpt from The Mountains are Calling: 90 Devotions for Peace & Solitude – a devotional journal now available on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.