Greetings,
I like a lot of different styles of music, but the style I lean toward when I am relaxing is usually a blues/jazz mix. A song by Duke Ellington came to mind as I was thinking about the difference between isolation and solitude. The song is called "Solitude" and I like a version performed by the late Dr. John. In the song he sings about despair and loneliness--which really isn’t solitude, but more of a self-imposed isolation.
Isolation and solitude are only similar in that they both are done alone. Other than being alone, the two concepts can be quite opposite. Solitude is usually something that a person actively seeks and is a personal choice that comes from a desire internally. Isolation is usually actively avoided and is forced from the outside. A monk desires to be disciplined in the art of solitude, a prisoner has no choice but to be in isolation.
We are living in the most connected era in the history of the world, yet the number of people complaining of living in loneliness and depression is overwhelming the counselors and mental heath professionals. It isn’t a new revelation that phones and screens aren’t bringing people together as much as driving people toward a strange sort of self-imposed isolation.
We are living in the most connected era in the history of the world, yet the number of people complaining of living in loneliness and depression is overwhelming the counselors and mental heath professionals. It isn’t a new revelation that phones and screens aren’t bringing people together as much as driving people toward a strange sort of self-imposed isolation.
Matthew 6:6 tells us to pray in solitude. Jesus often demonstrated that he valued solitude to have time alone with His father. But He never isolated himself. The discipline of solitude is all about soaking in the presence of God, as the psalmist writes, "Be still and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10).
Let me encourage you to examine your life and ask yourself how much time you spend soaking in the presence of God compared to how much time you spend worrying, distracting yourself, silently and stealthily isolating yourself from the very thing you need most--the healing, powerful, loving presence of the God of the universe that loves you desperately.
Love you,
Chris
