The very things some of us run from are the most important we NEED in our lives to function healthily.
- Solitude- “the state of being alone or kept apart from others. The quality or state of being alone or remote from society.” Solitude is very rewarding personally; here, we learn a lot about who we truly are. The loud voices of everyone else are silenced, and we are free to hear truths our spirits need to tell us. These truths give deep peace, joy, and inspiration. These truths calm all fears, doubts, and blow our minds. These truths make us feel that everything is possible and within our reach. They show us our true self: good, strong, passionate, compassionate, loyal, loving, merciful. We find ourselves in solitude.
We learn to identify, face, and conquer fears/ giants in the solitude. We face and overcome our uncomfortable, fearful, or scary past to move forward. We identify our battles in this place and learn how to fight! We identify healthy and unhealthy negative emotions: anger, malice, envy/jealousy, hate, anxiety, depression, guilt, shame. We are delivered and healed in solitude. We identify which voices we should listen to and which to walk away from.
God meets us in solitude.
Solitude is also a place where painful truths emerge, truths that some run from because it convicts, but hey when we are convicted, its purpose is to bring change, NOT to condemn us and make us feel guilty. As mentioned above, this is a voice you need to walk away from. The voice of Jesus gentle and lovingly convicts and leads us to make better choices. The voice of the enemy condemns us and make us feel bad about ourselves for not being perfect/ good enough; it pressures and weighs us down. Instead of heading for change, we sit and drown ourselves in sadness, depression, or even worst suicidal thoughts. Remember this truth; however, Jesus comes to give life and give it in abundance. The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy!
Growth can be painful, but it can also be such a beautiful thing if only we open ourselves widely and welcome it.
When we grow, we stretch out of things that no longer fit us; we make way for new areas, new things to come into our lives. New blessings! New mindsets! New desires….
So see, solitude isn’t such a bad place. It’s actually a beautiful place to visit now and again. It frees us and gives us knowledge and wisdom so we can live confidently.
Some shun introverts believing we are too quiet and reserved, but extraverts and introverts balance each other here on earth.
2. Prayer
We live in a world now where it seems some of us can’t wait to throw another under the bus or penalize them for hurting us. We are so quick to make judgments, really forgetting that we aren’t much better, and if we are in a better place, it’s because of Jesus’ spirit. Forgiveness and compassion aren’t easily or quickly extended to others. People who hurt us or commit heinous crimes need prayer 2Xs more than persons who do not. We are quick to holler ”crucify him” okay, maybe not those exact words, but you get it… We are ready to turn our backs or throw them in jail and forget them, but it doesn’t and shouldn’t stop there. Don’t get me wrong, yes, stay away from hurtful people and lock away who needs to be, but PRAYER is most needed for them. Eph 6:12 says,” our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” These people are fighting demonic spirits that are influencing and giving them desires to do wicked things. They desperately need healing and deliverance.
We can’t cut the top off a tree leaving the root, and except it to stop growing, we have to uproot it, get rid of it period. (this is just an analogy, please don’t uproot trees lol, besides, they are needed to help us breathe healthy air). We can’t just lock them away and turn our backs thinking the problem is solved. We have to attack the root of problems in people to get rid of them, and spiritual problems call for prayer connection to our God. (Matt 17:21) I know our hearts are breaking, I know we lost our loved ones, but hatred, unforgiveness, and revenge won’t solve anything, beloved! This only continues a negative cycle. Unforgiveness is a heavy burden to carry around.
I know it’s HARD to even think of praying for them, but forgiveness and humility are some of the greatest weapons to combat with. When we approach situations like this, it moves the hand of God, who is already fighting our battles and says vengeance is his. He can take care of it better than we can imagine. This brings healing for both you and the other. I pray in Jesus name that he first gives you comfort, then a desire and strength to forgive a pray for whomever wronged you and, or your family. I pray that you’ll let go and feel nothing but compassion for their soul and hope that they, too, are reconciled with God and will make better decisions. As I’m writing this, I strongly feel that someone needed that.
Our enemies need prayer too! See, look at it as one bad soul down, some more to go. God wants us all reconciled to himself. So many goodnesses are found in his arms! Oh, he loves us so very, very much! He calls us to change/ restore us to how he created us from beginning so he can then reconcile others to him through us, but this can only be done in love.
Solitude and praying for people who wrong us aren’t the most comfortable to do, but they bring about drastic changes! Overall, prayer conquers everything! It is a necessity! It keeps us close to God!
Healing And Encouragement 