First Things First Sample

Quiet & Solitude

An important practice for us to hear from God is to have times of quiet and solitude. Quiet means calm, silence, not engaging in external entertainment; solitude means abstaining from the company of others. Quiet times can happen more easily when in solitude because distractions are far more limited when you are by yourself. 

Quiet and solitude are important because it provides space for listening to God’s voice. In prayer, we often do all of the talking. But a relationship with Him requires conversation, a back and forth exchange where both parties get to express thoughts and ideas. We must give God an opportunity to speak to us as much as we speak to Him. Quieting ourselves is humbling because we put our thoughts aside and give God that space to speak. Quiet and solitude time is also an opportunity for us “to be still and know” that He is in control. When we are by ourselves with God, we have the chance to submit ourselves to Him and give Him time to speak and to be together with Him. Jesus often went off by Himself to strengthen Himself with God because He understood the need for quiet time with God. Quiet and solitude helps remove distractions and to focus on hearing from God. It can be overwhelming if you are not used to it; but with diligent practice, quiet and solitude becomes an enjoyable time between you and God. 

Action Step: What are some reasons that you have a hard time with quiet and solitude? Schedule and take time for you to practice quiet and solitude with God. After you practice, write down how you felt about that time.