INTENTIONALLY EXILED

It takes genuine effort to find the solitude that is required for intentional exile. Solitude is not to be confused with being alone, or lonely. Lonely means to be without relationships. Solitude with Jesus is not a lonely place. Solitude also does not mean we are alone. To be alone means we are not with anyone, but we are not alone when we are with Jesus. It is often a difficult transition. There is always something to interfere it seems. The idea of being alone is usually sabotaged by continuing to convince ourselves that someone, or something else, needs our attention.

Solitude is to be without others, but not lonely. It is the process and determination to be intentionally exiled. We purposely dislocate and displace ourselves in separation for a season. To refuse to be alone is to admit to necessary dependence on others and perhaps even hiding from ourselves.

In this atmosphere of exile, in the solitude of silence; we learn that our best reward is in the very effort to be exiled. To be this intentional about time and place is to see new benefits from this exercise of our will. The rest of what happens in exile is really up to God. When we have done our part then The Lord does the rest. This is really is the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Jesus