Henri J. M. Nouwen: Bringing Solitude Into Our Lives
Having long been a fan of Nouwen, I was eager to dive into this devotional. The first section encourages me to consider the spiritual life a partnership between the Holy Spirit and my own efforts (80). My spiritual life is a “gift” that needs my cultivation and aspiration. If I do not have discipline in my life, then I will not be able to develop this spiritual life (80).
This discipline takes obedience. Nouwen points out that our modern lives are “absurd” – meaning that we are too busy listening to other voices and noises and do not listen to God’s voice (81). The obedient life takes the time to shut off the external noise and listen to what God has to say to us. This effort provides freedom to pray and let the Holy Spirit pray through me (81).
This, then, brings Nouwen to solitude. Each morning, I get up as early as possible (usually between 4:30 and 5:00 AM) to spend time with God in solitude. This solitude is important because my day will be filled with lots of distractions and external noise. Nouwen points out, and I find this true for myself, that these distractions can be a shield against our inner voices 82). Solitary time with God can be scary and force me to face some truths I just don’t want to face. However, if I want to take my spiritual life seriously, I need to set this time aside and listen to God’s voice (82).
The discipline of solitude will free me to touch the truth of the hope that is in the presence of the Holy Spirit (83). It is a taste of the Kingdom of God. It is in the discipline of solitude that I can begin to sense the promised New Creation (83).
All references with page numbers are from Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith, Devotional Classics: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups, Revised and expanded (San Francisco: HarperOne, 2005).
The Wandering Wesleyan 