Let's start with a good definition from Donald Whitney: "Solitude is the spiritual discipline of voluntarily and temporarily withdrawing to privacy for spiritual purposes. The period of solitude may last only a few minutes or for days. As with silence, solitude may be sought in order to participate without interruption in other spiritual disciplines, or just to be alone with … [Read more...] about What Is Solitude
The Lord, the Lord
Psalm 103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. What an astounding, truth-filled verse! The Lord is merciful. The Lord is gracious. The Lord is slow to anger. The Lord is abounding in steadfast love. What is more is amazing is that these attributes are fundamental to his nature. They are not secondary or tertiary … [Read more...] about The Lord, the Lord
Why Solitude
In a previous series, we considered the spiritual disciplines generally. In this series, I want to take a deep dive into one discipline: Solitude. To begin the series, let's start by considering three realities that can have a profound negative impact on our spiritual lives… Constant Crowds Modern life is crowded. With smartphones and social media we are always … [Read more...] about Why Solitude
The God Who Speaks
Psalm 103:7 He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. This verse may seem like a strange verse on which to meditate. But it makes an important point: The Lord reveals himself. We serve a God who speaks. This is great news! For who has climbed up to heaven to have an audience with God? Or who has brought him down that he might answer our every … [Read more...] about The God Who Speaks
Philosophy of the Disciplines
Editor’s Note: This post is part of a series on the Spiritual Disciplines.] We end this series with a brief word on the philosophical underpinnings of the spiritual disciplines. There are certain basic, underlying realities that help to explain the need and usefulness of spiritual disciplines. They are as follows: It is possible to deliberately grow in godliness. … [Read more...] about Philosophy of the Disciplines