Life can get busy. And in those busy moments, it can be hard to remember to take the time to slow down and rest in the presence of God. It can be hard to seek solitude and rest.

Slowing down is hard for me. I’m a doer, perhaps not by nature, but by a habit ingrained long enough for it to seem like it’s my nature. I like my routines. I’m pumped when I’m productive. I feel anxious often when I’m not busy doing something. It can be very hard for me to slow down.

Several years ago, I read Leading on Empty, by Wayne Cordeiro. In this book, he stressed the importance of getting away on what he referred to as Personal Retreat Days. After reading that, I jumped into that discipline with gusto, but over time, it kind of slipped to the side and was more and more neglected. I knew that I needed it, but it always just seemed to be something that got pushed aside by other, more “important” things.

Within the past two months, a couple of different things have taken place to remind me of the necessity of getting away for a time of silence and solitude, and to simply seek God’s presence.

First, I joined three other guys in renting a cabin on a lake in central Kansas for a spiritual renewal retreat. The four of us spent several days simply soaking in God’s presence, discussing life, ministry, and growth with one another, and simply allowing God to speak into a silence big enough for us to listen to his voice clearly. It was a refreshing and renewing time for me personally. I spent a lot of time in God’s Word, in 2 Corinthians mainly, and in a couple of books. And those other three guys spoke some truth into my life that I really needed to hear. I’m thankful for friends who are willing and bold enough to speak in such a way into my life.

The second thing that happened recently is that I became aware of a new ministry located not too far from me that specializes in providing a private retreat location for ministers. I have already scheduled an overnight trip for later this spring, after my semester of grad studies ends and before the new term begins. Once again, it will be a time where I simply soak up some of God’s Word and spend some time of solitude in my journal and in prayer, this time by myself. And in addition, I’m already looking at dates to get away every few weeks for the rest of the year.

Times such as these are a very necessary part of my spiritual life. They are times when I can recharge myself, so that I can continue to serve in my roles as husband, father, minister, neighbor, and more, and to do so in a way that fully honors Christ in every area. I’m learning all over again that these times are really indispensable. I desperately need opportunities like this to allow God to refresh me, or I’ll run myself dry trying to do things under my own power.

Times of solitude and quietness are critically important for my spiritual well-being. Times such as this serve to remind me not only of what I can and cannot do on my own, but they also refresh my mind with why I do what I do. I am able to refocus my sight on Jesus, and pursue him more fully.

It may seem to be counterproductive to some, but it’s one of the core elements of my life that help me to be as effective as I can in the things that really matter.

Question: When was the last time you took some time and spent it alone in solitude with God? What was your experience? You can leave a comment by clicking here.