Solitude is where I find myself in the Lord and where I have clarity.
A couple of weeks ago, two of our male mentors, Matt Blair and Luis Lam ( outstanding men of God) decided to take all the men from gap year to the Appalachian trail. After a great physical challenge doing an obstacle course of sorts, we loaded up the vans and men from four squads were on their way to a get away. Little did we know it would be the complete opposite of physical. And much more mental, emotional, spiritual.
After Matt and Luis explained our assignment, all the men ended up in hammocks and tents off the side of the Appalachian trail. What was so interesting to me is the amount of distraction that man can compile in his head. And thus leading him into less awareness of himself and his God.
For the first 12 hours so much had to just empty out of my mind. And as the space became more available, the heart became available. As I opened and closed my eyes, in and out of prayer, I realized the Father wanted to just be with me. He is so patient. Love is Patient and kind (1 Corinthians 13:4) that’s what I was sitting in with God. He loves to give stories to those who become like children. So in those two days of solitude I got to, once again, become like a child, a son.
What I felt like I heard the Lord say was, “ I am the Creator and the Filler.” We were talking about the heart and how a lot of men live on empty. When his desire for us is to live in fullness and fulfillment. From grey and cold to red and hot.
Yes Brandon!! The Lord just wants to be with you!! Just as you are without any expectations or pretensions. Love that you got the opportunity to refill and gain even deeper perspective! Miss you brother!
These words “his desire for us is to live in fullness and fulfillment” presents us His heart for each one of us. The key is quieting one’s own self to hear the Father speak and trust His leading. Powerful words to meditate on, for sure! Thanks for sharing Brandon.
Brandon, what a sweet sweet reminder…. HE wants to be with us! What a precious gift you were able to experience (and are experiencing) with the Father! Thank you so much for sharing this… for sharing your heart! I’m excited to be journeying with you during this season!
Brandon, As you arrive back in Gainesville today after two weeks of hard labor as well as the spiritual, emotional, and mental effort that you all have poured out, this Sabbath will likely be one of those necessary, welcomed, treasured days of rest. I hope and pray you’ll get some time soon to be alone with the Lord, empty your mind, just be His child, re-fuel again. Precious hours! Grateful for the patient and kind love of the Father.
Love you, brother.
Love the way you look at God as The Father Brandon, it really encourages me.
You are, and are becoming, a man of God! Thank you for sharing your story of the importance of solitude. You are stirring my spirit when you share things like this.