Solitude is nothing other than an invitation to live completely exposed before God. Throughout the history of Christianity, men and women have withdrawn to mountains, deserts and other remote places in search of God. Yet before they ever journeyed to a specific location, they were first required to travel inward- to the depths of their own hearts. Those who failed to make this inward journey first were soon consumed by the rugged and wild terrain to which solitude led them. Whereas those who made this inward journey first found peace, joy, and- above all- God, even as they endured many trials, sufferings, and temptations.
This inner journey, which leads a person into the depths of their hearts where true solitude resides, carries one beyond emotion, thought, and personality. It is here, in this inner hermitage, where the soul is unveiled before God. There is nothing left to hide behind, nowhere to flee, and no fantasies to distract oneself with. One must stand face to face in the pure light of God’s grace and presence. For many, the mere thought of standing so fully exposed before God in this way awakens fear and panic, prompting them to flee in search of lesser and much cheaper forms of affirmation and consolation. In doing so, they forfeit the encounter with God’s tender mercy and the profound transformation that awaits those who choose instead to remain with God in this solitude.
This solitude is available to each one of us, regardless of our vocation and circumstances in life. For in the depths of the heart, each person ultimately stands alone before God. Will we choose to stand alone and remain with Him there? Will we allow ourselves to be exposed before Him, trusting Him enough not to run away? Will we dare to live from the depths of our own heart? For it is here, in these secret depths, that true solitude is found.
And if we do not first learn to dwell there, we too will be consumed by the rugged and wild terrain of life’s external realities.
__________________________________________________
Image: Unsplash
