The past few weeks we’ve been talking about spiritual disciplines. Of the eight scheduled topics, we’ve covered three; Simplicity, Prayer and Solitude. It is my belief that these three tie in to each other very closely.

Simplicity: In our lives, we find ourselves being consumed with the word around us, wanting more, always feeling discontent; Always having an unfilled craving. Like it says in Philippians 4:12-13, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Whether it be updating your gaming system from a PS2 to a PS3, or getting a new cool iPhone. Our culture has immersed itself in always needing more. And people wonder why they’re in debt? We need to slow down and look around at what we’ve got, what are needs and what are wants. God will provide for us, there’s no doubt. Just trust in him.

Prayer: So many people get caught up in trying to find the “right” words. Well, that’s not necessarily what’s important. Prayer is not a contest; it’s not trying to say what people want to hear. Prayer is a heart condition. It’s what is between you and God. An example I often refer to makes a great point. Relationships, much like ours with God can’t be maintained without constant communication. Any relationship is based off of talk, hanging out and fellowship. So, how can we expect our relationship with God to stay connected without making the effort? This has to be something you do all the time. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 god commands us, “Pray Continually”. Now, we don’t need to take this in literal terms, but like earlier said, a good relationship is based off of talking. To pray continually is to be updating God, telling him what’s going on in life, and so on and so forth. Prayer is more than just going to God and requesting things. We need to praise God, make confessions, talk to him, update him, and pray for his will to be done. Most people only go to God in times of need, wanting something. Whether it is to heal a loved one, or to help them win their basketball game. God’s will is so much bigger than that. And to pray for his will is what is pleasing to God.

Prayer, however, is more than just the talking piece. You must take time to listen to what he is trying to say. Going back to my analogy, friends will easily feel annoyed when the other person is putting in 100% of the talking. We have to be able to give God a chance to speak into our lives. So, why don’t you take some time to reflect on what’s going on. This brings me to my next topic.

Solitude: Do you ever feel overwhelmed or cluttered? Do the words of God ever not sound clear to you? If so, why not take some time to be alone with God. To just soak in the beauty of his creation and listen to what he has to say. I did that earlier tonight. I went to my backyard and built a fire. As I was out there just relaxing, I read Genesis, and in it I read this, “God made two great lights- the greater light to govern the day and the lesser to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness…God saw and that he had made, and it was very good”. As I sat there, looking up into the heavens, and into God’s masterful creation I couldn’t help but smile. Those moments of solitude were more meaningful to me than any other moments of the day before me. I was simply worshiping God by going away from the distractions and spending some time with him. Those moments were very meaningful and at that time, I felt as close to God as I’ve ever felt.

——————-

These three spiritual disciplines: Simplicity, prayer and solitude tie hand in hand. So, why not take some time to be away from the distractions, alone with God, not worrying about what new hot thing is coming out, what’s the score of the game, anything. Maybe you can take that time and pray. Or to just listen.

Well, the New Year has begun. Did you make any resolutions? I didn’t, well at least I haven’t proclaimed any. I may have made some unspoken ones. Like perhaps not to date. That’d be a good one. It’s just too much trouble. Plus, if I’m going to go to school in Missouri in the fall, why start a new relationship before I go. It’d be pointless, unless of course she went to school with me. Which I don’t see anybody around me willing to do that. That and I don’t see myself dating anyone I know. At least, not at this point in time. I’m not ready for any relationships. I’ve determined that even though I feel I’m mature enough, that I’m really not. Also, God doesn’t want me in one. He’s made that quite prevalent. I think I must learn how to be myself, by myself before I can be myself with somebody else.

I think going away will be very beneficial to me. It’ll be a new start, a new life. Not that my current life isn’t working, I just feel like everything is just routine. I need a change. And I believe this is the right move.

So, I guess in a way my New Year resolution is to be a man of God. Listen, be obedient, and love people. Oh ya, and stay away from girls, LOL.