The Importance of Solitude and Rest

My family is vacationing in Maine for the month of July, and I was able to get away alone this morning to a place called Seal Cove, a trail right down the street from where we are staying. It’s a beautiful trail with ocean views and areas to sit and watch the calm waters first thing in the morning.

I love mornings. They are a chance to start fresh, to take a deep breath and remember “the Lord’s mercies are new every morning.” It’s a fresh start to put behind things that may not have gone great the previous day and be grateful for a new day and the adventures that may await. I was able to stop and spend some time in prayer when I stopped to catch some views. It’s so good for the soul to take this time of solitude. Jesus went away for solitude so many times in scripture. He needed to meet with His Father, to draw near and rest. 

We too need this time. I’ve mentioned in several posts that eating all the salad you can and exercising until you’re sore isn’t what it’s all about. Sure, we have a new start each day to take care of our bodies physically so they can be used to do the things the Lord has for us to do. But we must find solitude and rest and meet with our Father. Without Him we are lost and without peace. 

I’ve had my own battle with panic and anxiety for a lot of my life. The last few years the Lord has really peeled back a lot of layers and He is helping me to slowly overcome this battle and trust in Him. It may be one I continue to face at some capacity this side of heaven but I can tell you from personal experience, when I don’t take the time to draw near to Him, to find rest and solitude with the One who loves me more than anyone, it can trigger anxiety which can have detrimental effects on the body. I have learned that, yes, I can eat healthy and exercise all I want, but I must be mindful and slow down, especially when I feel anxiety start to take root. It’s the holistic approach and why I became a nutrition coach that specializes in whole body wellness. 

So whatever is on your agenda today, take time for solitude. It doesn’t have to include a vacation or beautiful views. You may have a toddler screaming at your feet or a deadline at work. But even if it is only for a few minutes. Get alone, (in the closet if you have to), and seek the Lord, seek the REST He can and will give you. We just can’t do it without Him.