There are so many disciplines, and they are not easy or always easy. The definition of spiritual discipline:

Is a devoted and physical time that we engage our hearts and minds to focus on God and draw us into greater and deeper intimacy with God.  

Today, I want to focus on just one which is Solitude. Last year I did a 9-month program where we learned and got to practice some of the disciplines. We had a solitude retreat. We took time to spend time with God rather than be in the word praying and for a prayer walk. The Bible tells us Jesus even took time to go spend time with God.

Mark 1:35 states

And rising very early in the morning while it was still dark He departed and went out to a desolate place and there he prayed.

Solitude is a way we can draw ourselves closer to God. Who knows - maybe God will speak during that time give you revelation or open our eyes to something we can’t see. Getting out, even in nature, to pray and get with God is a wonderful thing. Seeking solitude helps us get away from our busy and crazy lives and take a break and feel. On the solitude retreat last year, it wasn't easy at all. I did keep getting distracted and didn't feel God was speaking or moving, but that is okay. If we do get distracted ask God to help redirect your focus. That's something I'm learning currently.

Psalm 104:34 states

May my meditation be pleasing to him for I rejoice in the lord.

God is pleased when we take time to spend with him and it’s hard to do that. Sometimes for me, I try to spend time with God. I get so distracted. The enemy distracts us from our time with God. The enemy doesn't want us to be with God. At the end of the day, spiritual disciplines are not easy at all. That's where we need to ask the holy spirit to help us. He gives us strength. He lives inside of us and our help comes from the Lord.  I encourage you to get with God even if you don't feel like it. Do it anyway.

Let's pray,

Lord,

I thank you for the spiritual disciplines to help us get closer to you. Lord, we know it's not easy, but we have the strength from the holy spirit to help us. Thank you so much for giving us these disciplines to remind us that it’s okay if we get distracted and if we don't hear from you. Remind us You are pleased when we spend time with You, even if it is not easy or even if we have a bad day and we don't feel like it. Thank you Lord for your love and mercy and grace.

Amen.