“Solitude well practiced will break the power of busyness, haste, isolation, and loneliness.” - Dallas Willard
The more we fill our lives, the emptier they become.
The more we empty our lives, the richer they become.
Solitude may seem the opposite of what we want, but it makes space for that which we truly need. But this is life in the upside-down kingdom of God. It is a Kingdom where Jesus tells us in Matthew 5 that…
The poor in spirit receive the kingdom of heaven (v3).
Those that mourn will be comforted (v4).
The meek will inherit the earth (v5).
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied (v6).
The merciful will receive mercy (v7).
The pure in heart will see God (v8).
The peacemakers will be called sons of God (v9).
Blessing, rejoicing, and gladness accompany the heavenly reward and kingdom of heaven for those who are persecuted and maligned for the sake of Christ (v10-12).
These are the principles of an upside-down kingdom. A kingdom where the last will be first, the first will be last (Matthew 20:16). A kingdom where to lose your life is to find your life (Matthew 16:25). A kingdom where the proud will be humbled, and the humble will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).
Lord, may what is true of your kingdom be true of our lives. For Your glory, amen.
Amen,
AB