Below is a summary of the week and some questions to ask in your Tribe. Feel free to use any of the resources at the bottom too! The idea is that we are growing in our connection with God.
Hello, it's great to see you!
This week we started our new series "Pursuit of Happiness." As the new year begins, we want to have a vision and a focus on simplifying and having a truly happy life. This series has a goal of showing us how to live a happy life. Having a happy life means actively making choices daily to bring happiness in. Many of us want to do this, but don't know how.
America is celebrating its 250th birthday this year, and as we should be celebrating, if we look around we can see most people suffering in lives of unhappiness, anxiety, and despair. We live in a world where happiness and joy are easily to access, but hard to reach because we feel like we shouldn't have to work for it. Most people in this day in age believe that the world owes them happiness. We see it in movies and ads, but truly what those things are teaching us is to be discontent in what we have. What does it look like to Pursue Solitude?
Jesus demonstrated saying “no” to temporary, shortcuts to happiness and saying “yes” to the longer, harder, and deeper path of solitude is the first step on the pursuit of happiness.
KEY SCRIPTURES
KEY POINTS
Characteristics of Solitude:
1. Solitude Heightens the Ability of Our Spirits to Hear from God (Luke 6:12)
In solitude, Jesus listened intently to God's voice. Luke 6:12 (NIV): “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” This verse illustrates how dedicated time in solitude leads to discernment and direction from God.
2. Solitude Deepens the Ability of Our Minds to Think Clearly with God (Luke 5:16)
Jesus demonstrated mindfulness in solitude, being present with God. Luke 5:16 (NIV): “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” In these moments, Jesus modeled how being present with the Father cultivates an awareness of God’s will. Jesus sought clarity of purpose through solitude. Matthew 4:1 (NIV): “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” This time in the wilderness allowed Jesus to solidify His mission and respond to temptation, showcasing how solitude contributes to discerning one's purpose.
3. Solitude Deepens the Emotions to Receive Healing from God (Matthew 26:36)
Jesus utilized solitude for emotional healing and recovery after overwhelming experiences. Matthew 26:36 (NIV): “Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’” In this moment, He withdrew to process His impending crucifixion, showing that solitude is essential for confronting pain.
4. Solitude Strengthens the Ability of Our Souls to Walk in Resilience through God (John 14:4-5)
Jesus’ solitary prayers fortified Him during trials. Luke 22:44 (NIV): “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” This passage illustrates how solitude provided the resilience needed to face His greatest challenges.
5. Solitude Equips our Souls with the Ability to Walk in Power from God (Luke 4:14-15)
Jesus found inspiration in solitude. Matthew 14:23 (NIV): “After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.” In these solitary moments, Jesus was rejuvenated and able to inspire followers with His teachings and miracles. Solitude allowed Him to reflect, receive divine insight, and prepare for His ministry, indicating that taking time away can spark our creativity and deeper understanding of God's calling.
Finding a place for solitude is crucial for experiencing the spiritual and emotional benefits that come from stepping away from the demands and distractions of everyday life. This space can vary greatly depending on individual preferences and circumstances, but it should ideally be a quiet and comfortable environment where one can be free from interruptions. Whether it's a serene nook in a home, a nearby park, a quiet beach, or a secluded hiking trail, the key is to select a location that fosters a sense of peace and stillness.
Setting a specific time to practice solitude is essential for ensuring that this valuable spiritual discipline becomes a consistent and integral part of our lives. Just as we schedule important meetings and commitments, dedicating time for solitude signals to ourselves and to God that we prioritize our spiritual well-being and personal growth.
Lastly, use a resource like a devotional, journal or leadership book to help practice solitude. Even though Solitude might seem counter-intuitive to pursuing happiness. It is the first step Jesus demonstrated to living a happy life.
If you haven't yet watched the sermon from this past weekend, we encourage you to check it out. The current sermon video will be available this Tuesday. Click on the link below to view:
Recent TVC Sermon Video
1. Do you practice solitude to hear from God?
2. Why do you find it easy or hard to practice solitude?
3. How can your Tribe support you this week?