Solitude and Silence 

"Let him who cannot be alone beware of community . . . Let him who is not in community beware of being alone . . . Each by itself has profound pitfalls and perils. One who wants fellowship without solitude plunges into the void of words and feelings, and one who seeks solitude without fellowship perishes in the abyss of vanity, self-infatuation, and despair."--Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Memory Verse: Psalm 46:10.

Introduction: Solitude is the vehicle by which we renew ourselves in Christ. Drawing away from the "crowds" of our life is the only way our mind and heart can be renewed in the things of God. Hearing the still, small voice of our Creator becomes difficult if we're continually preoccupied with crowds, people, T.V., radio, etc. Solitude gives us the open eyes and listening ears we need to hear Him gently speak to us. When we draw away, it is not to loneliness and isolation but to the place we can see Jesus once again and drink in His goodness.
  Inseparable from solitude is silence. Without silence, we're not experiencing true solitude. The silence connected with solitude isn't absence of speech as much as it is the willingness to listen; we don't refrain from talking as much as we engage in listening. When we're silent before the Master, opening our ears and heart to His will, we come to understand what we are called to do for Him.
  While silence and solitude are something we do apart from other people, the peaceful inner solitude we find alone doesn't have to leave when we're with others. In fact, it's this peace that brings the willingness to listen and minister to others in a deep, meaningful way. When God has spoken to us in our solitude, we can then speak to others as a humble servant.
  When solitude is real and silence is a discipline, our words will be humble and obedient. We no longer try and manipulate others with our words, convince them of our motivations, or influence them for personal gain. Rather, we allow the Holy Spirit to do the work in others' lives. Control, then, is the root issue. James speaks of the mature disciple being able to control his tongue (James 3:1-12). The reality of this is seen in solitude.
  Take advantage of spare moments and set aside time to find the solitude of listening for the voice of God.

Lesson Questions:

1. Since solitude was a normal part of Christ's life and ministry, shouldn't every Christian practice this discipline, too? Luke 6:12; 5:16; Matthew 14:13.

2. In what ways and at what times should we pursue solitude and silence? Psalm 4:4; 77:6; 139:18; Ecclesiastes 3:7; Galatians 1:17,18.

3. Shouldn't our prayer life include large amounts of time devoted to listening to God in silence and solitude? Psalm 46:10; John 5:30; Isaiah 30:15; Matthew 12:15-19.
Note: It is in silence that we can hear the voice of God. Often, our worship and prayer is expressed through talking. However, in the stillness of solitude, meditation, and prayer, God reveals Himself to us in ways unavailable to us while we are speaking. Our time of prayer and solitude must be transformed from talking at God to listening for Him.

4. Must the outward expression of silence and solitude come from the heart? Matthew 12:33-37; Matthew 7:15-20.

5. Why does the Bible directly link spiritual maturity to controlling our tongue? James 1:26; 3:1-12; Proverbs 10:19; Ecclesiastes 5:3.

6. Thomas a Kempis writes: "It is easier to be silent altogether than to speak with moderation." In what ways does scripture confirm this truth? Proverbs 25:11; Ecclesiastes 3:7; Proverbs 15:23.