Embracing Solitude
S. G. Beck (Oregon, USA)




TODAY'S READING
1 Samuel 17:32-47


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Where can I seek a quiet moment with God today?


PRAYER FOCUS
To embrace stillness with God





Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. - Psalm 36:5-6 (NIV)


When our family was considering getting a dog, my children promised to help with the care of the new puppy. Like many parents, I believed them. Twice a day I ended up walking our pup, Oatley, on a long leash in the pastures around our ranch. I was moody about the interruption to my schedule and lonely in the responsibility. Most days the wind would blow in my face and the ground was rough beneath my feet. Sometimes a hood over my head obscured the sky and birds. But I was surprised by the impact this time alone in nature had on me. God met me there.

King David spent his younger days in the pasture, tending sheep. Long hours of solitude surrounded by God’s sweeping sky and rugged mountains formed thoughts and questions that shaped David’s relationship with God that would serve him throughout his life.

I spent 12 months walking Oatley around the pastures. In the years following, my life took a new direction that I couldn’t have predicted, and I went through a time of spiritual growth that amazed me. God had been making me ready for this new season.



TODAY'S PRAYER
Loving Father, help us to seek quiet places where we can hear your voice. Thank you for speaking to us. Amen.