SOLITUDE IS NOT BEING ALONE

This week, I am exploring what God says about SOLITUDE. As I enter prayer now, I reflect on God’s instruction: “Be still and know that I am God.” 

Lord, teach me today about getting alone to listen to You. 

I desire to receive Your instruction  

and share it with others in my life. 

Let me consider the words of God from Matthew 4:8-11: 

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. 

The devil tries to convince me to surrender to him the things I already have.  In this temptation, he attempts to convince Jesus that Satan owns the kingdoms of the world, when Jesus is the Creator of all! 

Jesus does not debate Satan on the ownership issue, but on the more important topic: I should worship God and serve Him alone.  While angels come and attend to Jesus in His weakened state, Satan leaves confused and frustrated.  Jesus at his weakest is still immensely more powerful than Satan! 

Lord, I confess to You that I am weak, 

and I am tempted to succumb to the notion  

that Satan has power over my life. 

Please show me Your power in my life. 

I must carefully examine all aspects of my life and confirm I am not bowing down to any part.  Are there things I have valued more than the Lord?  

We all need accountability.  The Holy Spirit is the One who convicts my heart.  Jesus comes and sees me as I am, lifts me from the heap, and declares I am His child chosen from the foundation of the world!  I am overcome because Jesus died for me, so God the Father would see me as holy.  I do not want to sin, but, when I do, I can be assured Jesus is watching over me. 

Father, help me to come close to You today so that You can do Your amazing work in my life. 

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.