Ethan Seifried - March 14, 2021
Solitude
Mark 6:30-32. The French philosopher and theologian Blaise Pascal said, "All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone." This statement, written hundreds of years ago, still perfectly describes our present moment. We fear boredom, so we choose instead endless distraction. We fear the silence of merely existing. And, we convince ourselves our obligations are too important for us to withdraw and refresh ourselves in solitude. But we are humans, not machines. We were created to experience rhythms of noise and quiet, community and solitude. Your purpose is too important not to practice solitude.
From Series: "How to Eat an Elephant"
We all want to experience a meaningful, joyful life. No one wants to drag themselves out of bed in the morning, wishing they didn’t have to get up at all. We all want to want to get up, to have a reason and deep purpose for each day. For followers of Jesus we know that’s found in relationship with God through Jesus. But somewhere along the way the newness and excitement wore off. The intimacy shrank back, like a long distance relationship that you’ve tried to make work but it just doesn’t. It just feels like God’s not there any more, like he’s let go. And maybe you’ve started to let go too. But for those who have tasted the goodness of God, who have felt the joy of Christ well up inside of them, we there’s more. We long for an intimacy with God that doesn’t fade away, that doesn’t seem to disappear when you need it most. The good news is: you can have that! It won’t always be sunshine and roses. God does not promise us that if we seek after him, everything in your life will be perfect. But he does promise us that if we seek him, we will find him. That if we knock, he’ll open the door. If we taste, we will see that he is good. And we do that through the spiritual disciplines. That is the secret to a meaningful, joy-filled life--even in the worst times of our lives: disciplined tasting and seeing how good God’s grace is. That’s “How to Eat an Elephant.” One bite at a time.