Worship Devo Debut.

Hey everyone, this is Todd Agnew. It was so good to worship with you this weekend. I enjoyed seeing old friends and making new ones. Thanks for being so kind. I thought I would share a quick thought on worship. The psalmists used the word "ascribe" a number of times and it is also found in Deuteronomy and 1 Chronicles. Psalm 29:1-2 says,

"Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord, glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness."

(The rest of the psalm talks about the voice of the Lord being like thunder and lightning, shaking the foundations, and so on. Might make a good song.)

But back to the word "ascribe". I always assumed it meant something like "give". Give God glory and strength. Give Him the glory due His name. That made sense to me. But it turns out that's not actually what it means. Merriam-Webster defines "ascribe" as "to refer to a supposed cause, source, or author." In other words, "to attribute to". That really changes the idea of ascribing glory to God in our worship. We are not giving God glory or strength; we are searching and finding glory and strength and recognizing that it belongs to God. We discover an example of strength and realize that its source is God's. We are not asked to give God the glory due His name. What glory do we have that we can offer Him? We are supposed to study and come to new and deeper understandings of His name, and then recognize the glory in that and attribute it to God.

Which is all a complicated way of saying, worship doesn't start on Sunday morning. Every moment of every day we are seeking the strength, the person, the glory of God in the scripture, in the world, and in our lives. On Sundays, we merely get the joy and blessing of joining together to ascribe the glory we've seen during the week to our Savior, Redeemer, Creator, and Friend. Tomorrow, let us look throughout our day for strength. Let us look for glory. Let us find His names, Healer, Provider, the One Who Sees, Almighty, Comforter, Love, and recognize when He is being those things for us. Every time is an opportunity to worship, to ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name.

Todd

Don't Forget to Floss Your Teeth.

Yesterday morning my son Joshua, 5, hit me with a a newly found nugget of wisdom he learned from his dentist appointment on Wednesday. He looked at me and said, 'Daddy, you know that flossing makes you live longer.' At first I was a little puzzled that you could make such a bold claim about flossing but as I began to think about it I realized that flossing does help prevent gum disease which can cause death. The fact is I don't think anyone would argue that flossing is good for you and that we should do it every day. Mentally, I know that truth. However, I must confess I rarely remember to floss (I do brush my teeth so don't get to freaked out). His statement definitely convicted me. I realized that I know that his statement is true and I'm simply sweeping it under the rug and not acting on it. I will say that I most definitely flossed yesterday and plan on making it a new habit thanks to my son.

What are the simple truths and promises that God has given us that we know in our 'heads' but are not really living and practicing in our lives? What about prayer. I love the verse that was in our Ask God Project Devotional yesterday out of Psalm 138:3 that says, 'As soon as I pray, You answer me; You encourage me by giving me strength.' How many times do I fret, worry, grumble and complain about my circumstances or situation and forget to truly and honestly take it to God in prayer. What a great promise that as soon as we pray, He answers us. We may not get what we ask for but what He does give us is in that moment is strength to face everything that comes our way. As Lindsey wrote yesterday, He is directing our ulitmate path and life and He will give us the strength we need today. All we have to do is ask

Brian

Keeping Me Guessing.

While I was listening to my music today, I stumbled across a Francesca Battistelli song that I had forgotten about. Besides the catchy summertime feel, I am drawn to the song’s lyrics. Seeming to fit well with Proverbs 3:5-6, “Keeping me Guessing” reminds us of Who is guiding our steps. The chorus confidently states:

I don’t know how the story ends,
But I’ll be alright ‘cause You wrote it
I don’t know where the highway bends but I’m doing just fine
‘Cause You’re in control even when I don’t know where my life’s gonna go
You’re keeping me guessing.

Here’s the thing-- I know a lot of people struggle with giving up control. Trust me, I get it. I am not a fan of situations in which I have no control (i.e. plane rides), but there is something incredibly comforting in knowing I am placing my trust in God, who has ruled over creation since the beginning of time. I am relieved when I realize that although I have no clue where my life will be in 5 or 10 years, my Father wrote the story of my life and I know I will be fine. Check out this video of the song and as you listen to it, think of Proverbs 3:5-6:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”

In Him,
Lindsey

Beautiful Things.

This coming Sunday, we will be introducing a new song called "Beautiful Things". It fits perfectly with this weeks theme of "mold me" from the Ask God project.

The song is based on Isaiah 65:17.

17 “Behold, I will create
new heavens and a new earth.
The former things will not be remembered,
nor will they come to mind.

This verse is a great reminder that Our God is a God of redemption and renewal. Sometimes we wonder if we are beyond being able to change. Whenever I might have thoughts like that, I remember that great verse in Phil 1:6.

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

God is at work in you and me. Remember God isn't finished with us yet and "God don't make no junk".

"Beautiful Things" by Gungor
All this pain
I wonder if I’ll ever find my way
I wonder if my life could really change at all
All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found
Could a garden come up from this ground at all

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

All around
Hope is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos life is being found in You

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

You make me new, You are making me new
You make me new, You are making me new


Joe

Training Wheels.

Sunday evening was a cool moment in my parenting life. I had the joy of teaching my daughter, Emily, how to ride a bike. We began the process by putting air in her tires and then taking off the training wheels. We then walked out to the street together to give it a go. As we began, I assured her that I was right there supporting her and that she could relax and begin to get a feel for how to balance herself. So we walked up and down the street a couple of times and I began to hold onto her less and less. After only a few minutes she told me she was ready to try it herself. So I got her going and then let her go. In her wobbly little way she began peddaling and riding her bike all by herself. She was still a little timid at first, but then I could see that there was this mental shift in her where she went from doubt and fear to confidence and trust. Before too long she was riding up and down the street and around the block.

As I was thinking about this moment, I thought about our walk with God. In 2 Corinthians 5:7 it says, 'for we walk by faith, not by sight - ' Training wheels are not meant to remain on the bike forever. They are a temporary aid to help us to have the courage to sit on a bike and build our confidence. It's only when we take them off that we really begin experiencing the fun and joy of riding a bike. Are there areas of our lives where we are still operating with training wheels on? For Emily to go from training wheels to riding a bike, she had to completely trust her Dad. She had to trust that I wasn't just leading her out in the street to let her fall. Is there an area in your personal life, finances, job, habits, family, marriage, career path, etc where your heavenly Father is saying, 'Trust Me...It's time to take the training wheels off...'

in Christ,

Brian

The Secret Place.

Matthew 6:6
6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

I spend a lot of time with people. People that I greatly enjoy sharing time with. Sometimes we work together, sometimes we play. Sometimes I counsel, sometimes I teach, sometimes I listen, sometimes I correct, sometimes I pray.

I have noticed my effectiveness with others goes up and down in direct correlation to how much time I spend in the secret place. My peace, strength, joy, wisdom, faith, love, all flow from my time spent with my Heavenly Father alone in the secret place.

When I was a teenager our youth choir sang a song called "There is a quiet place". It's words come to mind when I go to be alone with Jesus

There is a quiet place
Far from the rapid pace
Where God can soothe my troubled mind

Sheltered by tree and flow´r
There in my quiet hour
With Him my cares are left behind

Whether a garden small
Or on a mountain tall

New strength and courage there I find
Then from this quiet place
I go prepared to face
A new day with love for all mankind


Let's go to the Secret place these next 4 weeks, as we Ask God to speak to us, individually and as a family.

Joe

Forever Reign.

Last week we introduced a new song called 'Forever Reign.' I love how this song exposes the contrast of us, the worshiper, and our amazing God. Often when I draw near to God in prayer or worship, I am overwhelmed by a sense of unworthiness to come into the presence of such a holy and perfect God. This song captures musically what I often feel when I draw near to God.

The song starts quietly and reflectively as the verses spell out all that we lack and how God fills in those empty spaces. In the chorus it's like we are gaining confidence as we start to get up and run into the arms of our Father. As it moves to the second verse the song picks up energy and excitment. I think that is a picture of how we are too. Throughout the Old Testament courage is always a product of being filled with God's presence and having an assurance that God is with us. Cowardice would always come over God's people when they had turned from God and went their own way. As this song finishes with the bridge we as the worshipers sing in boldness from the depths of our hearts that 'My heart will sing no other name, Jesus, Jesus.....'

Take time to let the words of this song soak in and let the God whom this song is about fill you with His presence today so that you may be filled with courage and boldness to face your day!

You are good, You are good when there's nothing good in me

You are love, You are love on display for all to see

You are light, You are light when the darkness closes in

You are hope, You are hope You have covered all my sin

You are peace, You are peace when my fear is crippling

You are true, You are true even in my wandering

You are joy, You are joy, You're the reason that I sing

You are life, You are life, in You death has lost it's sting



Oh I'm running to Your arms, I'm running to Your arms

The riches of Your love will always be enough

Nothing compares to Your embrace Light of the world forever reign

You are more, You are more than my words will ever say

You are Lord, You are Lord all creation will proclaim

You are here, You are here in Your presence I'm made whole

You are God, You are God of all else I'm letting go



My heart will sing no other name Jesus, Jesus

The Reason We Sing.

This week I struggled with what to write about, but I was so inspired by Brian’s message on Sunday, I thought I would share a few reasons why I continue to fall more in love with my Jesus.

Without Him I am insecure, self-centered, and lost. With Him I am loved, other-oriented, and saved.
His love for me never fails. There are times I’m required to wait. Sometimes I may not receive the answer I wanted. Yet His love will never leave me.
He desires me. He longs for me to draw near to Him. He is the Creator of all, yet He considers me a masterpiece.
He is a BIG God. He overshadows any obstacles I may face.
I will spend eternity with Him. He went to war for me and because of His victory, I never have to experience separation from Him.
Psalm 100:4 tells us to enter His gates with thanksgiving and to go into His court with praise. Today begin your time with Jesus with gratitude. Why do you follow Him? Who would you be without Him?

In Him,

Lindsey

Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important." - C.S. Lewis

Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important." - C.S. Lewis


Paul is quite clear that if Jesus wasn't raised from the dead, then our faith is an exercise in futility. In fact he says, people should feel sorry for us, as we are self deluded

1 Corinthians 15:17-21
17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

Paul also asserts and affirms the resurrection as a historical fact

20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.

Notice there is no third option.

Jesus isn't kind of important.

Here's an excerpt from S.M Lockeridge' "That's My King". He says it far better than I can.

He's enduringly strong. He's entirely sincere. He's eternally steadfast. He's immortally graceful. He's imperially powerful. He's impartially merciful. That's my King.

He's God's Son. He's the sinner's saviour. He's the centerpiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He's honest. He's unique. He's unparalleled. He's unprecedented. He's supreme. He's pre-eminent. He's the grandest idea in literature. He's the highest personality in philosophy. He's the supreme problem in higher criticism. He's the fundamental doctrine of historic theology. He's the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. That's my King.

That's my King,

Joe McKinney
Pastor of Creative Arts
StoneBridge Church

Unexpected Green Tomatoes.

Back in the early Spring I began my gardening experiment and planted some tomato seedlings in the ground. They grew and before too long began producing quite a few tomatoes. By around May we were having to give tomatoes away to keep them from going bad. But then the intense heat and drought of the summer hit. There would be days I would go outside and the plants just looked depressed out in the 104 degree heat. The leaves were totally drooping and lifeless. For the rest of the summer there was exactly zero tomatos coming from those plants. 'In faith' I continued to water these plants daily. A couple of weeks ago as I was kneeling down and watering I noticed a little green tomato starting to grow on one of the branches. These plants that seemed dead and lifeless had sprung back to life again against all odds.

Our walk with God goes through seasons as well. There are those seasons when we look around at our life and the circumstances we are in and it just seems plain hopeless and we don't see how we are going to get through it. Yet 'in faith' we continue to cultivate our relationship with God by trusting, praying and being renewed by His Word. As we continue to trust, God brings those little unexpected 'green tomatoes' in the form of an unexplained peace in our heart to an encouraging word at the perfect time to a provision right when we needed it. Let God speak to you through this passage about Abraham's faith in Romans 4: "18 In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, "SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE." 19 Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb ; 20 yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform." - Romans 4:18-21

Which road are you choosing.

"By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward." - Hebrews 11:24-26

The Christian life is begun by faith and lived by faith moment by moment throughout each day. Constantly we are faced with the temptation to pursue treasures and rewards of this life that are temporary as opposed to investing in the eternal work of God's kingdom. Moses had it made in Egypt. He had power, wealth, status, and anything he wanted. What if Moses would have just settled for his prosperous Egyptian life? What if he would have missed out on having the chance to know and talk to God 'face to face' just like a trusted friend and accomplishing the work of deliverance from slavery for God's people in Egypt? No doubt Moses chose a very difficult and hard road, but he chose a path that would also ensure him an eternal future with God in His kingdom. What about us? Do we have a deep and driving passion in us to live for Christ and His kingdom no matter what the cost? Are we struggling with settling for the fading pleasures of this earth rather than the lasting joy of walking with God?

Pressing on towards a greater reward,

Brian

Wrong Worship.

I know this video is silly, but sadly I feel like our worship can easily be reflective of this. How often do we show up on Sunday and go through the motions that are expected of us? I know I am guilty at times of putting more work into how I sing, and worrying about what I need to do that afternoon. We have all been there. Last week I talked about how we’ve been given the privilege of worshiping our Father. Shouldn’t we take this huge honor more seriously?

One of my favorite verses is Hebrews 13:15 where it says, “Through Jesus therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name.” The words “continually” and “sacrifice” always stand out when I read this. Our worship should be continual--not just Sunday mornings and not when it is convenient for us. This verse is very clear that our worship is also a sacrifice. Granted, there are going to be times where I have things I need to get done, but what I really need to be doing is offering my Father a sacrifice of praise every day. Are you just going through the motions? Who are you worshiping?

In Him, Lindsey

Heavenly Father, I Cannot, But You Can.

Andy Stanley, like many of us, sometimes feels overwhelmed by all he has to do and is responsible for. In his book, "The Grace of God," he talks about beginning every morning by praying, almost like a mantra, "heavenly Father, I cannot, but you can..........Father, I cannot, but you can.

Jesus taught us, that we are meant to live fruitful lives through a total dependence on Him.

In John 15:5 Jesus says, " I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Trying to live a Christ like life apart from Christ seems ridiculous, but I sure have tried my hand at it.......too many times. The peace that passes all understanding comes out of my learning to find my home in Jesus and He living in me.

I think it might be time for me to join Andy in his little prayer of total dependence on God.

Heavenly Father, I cannot, but you can.

Joe

Defiantly Not Boring.

Yesterday the kids were out of school so we did a little family adventure to the zoo. Everytime I go to the zoo I am blown away by the creativity of God. Below is the very quick account of how our earth became populated with our millions of animal companions:

And God said, "Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky." So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth." And there was evening, and there was morning--the fifth day. And God said, "Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind." And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

From toucans to flamingos to meerkats to lions to orangatans to rhinos to komodo dragons to sea lions to giraffes to pithons, God conceived them in His mind and by His power He spoke them into being. One thing that you can be sure of about God is that He is most definitely not boring. Anyone who can dream up the variety, color, and behaviors of millions and millions of different species of animals is truly a God so much beyond what we can grasp. A life of following Him will truly be filled with wonder and it will take an eternity to discover His fullness and beauty. How incredible to think that this wonderful God wants us all to know Him as Father and embark on an incredible eternal adventure with Him.

in Christ,

Brian

Whatever you think you owe God, Jesus already paid it.

If someone paid off your house in full, would you keep sending a check to the bank each month? Of course not!!!

So why do we treat Jesus' paying for our sins as not enough?

When we don't live as a forgiven people, we in one sense are diminishing the sacrifice Jesus' made on our behalf.

That sounds almost blasphemous. And yet many of us live our lives that way.

Hebrews 10:10 says "And by that will, we have been made holy

through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

And Hebrews 10:14 says, " For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy."


Hebrews 10:17-18

17 Then he adds:

Their sins and lawless acts

I will remember no more.

18 And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.

So when you think you have to earn God's love and forgiveness, remember whatever you think you owe God, Jesus already paid it.

Forgiven,

Joe

Come Together.

Last night I spent some time with some men from our church who are helping to lead some of our small groups. As I was meeting with them it really hit me that all of them were basically shepherding little house churches throughout the week. They each have the pressures of their jobs and the normal challenges of life that can pull you down. On top of this they have stepped out to pour into the people in their small group and be a shepherd leader to them. In Hebrews 10:25 it says, 'Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.' I found that our meeting together was full of encouragement last night. As we shared, laughed, prayed and dreamed of what God might do in our groups I think we all left with more courage to not give up and to not settle for less than God's best for ourselves and the people we lead. I have found that when I don't meet together with other like-minded believers I begin to lose courage and I start retreating into a very 'me-centered' and 'comfort-driven' vs 'Christ-driven' life. Left to myself I become ineffective for the work of God's kingdom. So let's continue to gather together with our brothers and sisters in Christ breathing life and hope into one another's life so that we can each finish the race that God has for us.

in Christ,

Brian

A Privilege. Not A Chore.

“He gave them the privilege of worshiping Him and receiving His wonderful promises.” Romans 9:4

Sometimes I find myself viewing my time with God as a chore—something I have to check off my daily list. Why is this? Scripture is very clear that we have been given the privilege of worshiping our Father. To be honest, God doesn’t need one ounce of our praise. His magnificence is not based upon whether or not we lift our praises to Him- it is unconditional. His desire is for us to sit in His glory and receive the blessings that only come from worshiping Him. Ladies, when you go to the spa you consider it a privilege rather than a chore, correct? And guys, doesn’t spending a day on the golf course become an escape from the daily grind? Our time spent with God should be viewed the same way. We should eagerly come before our Father and worship Him. It is a privilege He has graciously given us. So today, ask yourself the tough question. Are you looking at worship as a gift, or are you simply marking it off your to-do list?

In Him,

Lindsey

Encouragement.

It seems like a recurring theme in scripture. Perhaps because God knew we would need it and each other.

Jesus knew it would be costly to be His disciple.

Luke 14:27
27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

He knew we would be tempted at times to give up

Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

Knowing we would need encouragement to run the race well, he gave some the gift of encouragement.

Romans 12:6a, 7b and 8
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.


While some have a special gift, all of us can be encouragers.

1 Thessalonians 5:11Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sins deceitfulness.

2 Corinthians 13:11

11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

I believe a unified and courageous church body will result, if we will encourage each other.

Joshua 1:9
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

May the God of love and peace be with you,

Joe

What Do You Say When You're Given The Mic?

Yesterday I was reading about Daniel. There was a simple verse that stood out to me in chapter 2:27-28a which says, '27 Daniel answered the king and said, "No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, 28 but there is a God in heaven...' Daniel and his friends had been carried over to Babylon from their old homeland in Judah in order to be fully indoctrinated in the finest the Babylonian culture had to offer. They exceled far beyond any of the other youths in their group and were expanding in their influence. King Nebuchadnezzar had a very troubling dream that none of his magicians or wisemen were able to tell him about or interpret. The king was outraged and sent orders to have all the wise men of the land killed, including Daniel and his friends. Daniel prayed to God for revelation about this dream and God answered his prayer. This verse is the moment where Daniel shows up in the king's presence and he is given the platform. What struck me is his bold conviction to deflect any attention from himself and to put all the focus on God.

When I have an audience or platform or an interaction with someone do I have the same boldness to do everything I can to turn the attention towards my heavenly Father? It's tempting and easy to just allow attention to just rest on us and not live to point people towards God. In 1 Corinthians 10:31 it says, '31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.' I have some friends of mine who are missionaries in Southeast Asia. One of the things they do with their kids is to see how many different and creative ways they can turn a conversation towards Jesus. No matter if they were with their taxi driver or the man on the street or a guest in their home, all of their conversations seemed to lead to Jesus somehow. One thing about Daniel too was that he was a worshiper. He met with God throughout his day and God was constantly on his mind and in his thoughts. I am confident that when we live that way, it is going to be perfectly natural and second-nature to speak of our Savior who has changed our lives.

in Christ,

Brian

Be Still. By Todd Agnew.

Today we’re going to dig into the spiritual discipline of solitude. Solitude is not merely being alone. It is being alone WITH God. Those are two very different things. Just like being home alone is very different than being home alone with my wife. The second is relational, beautiful, and exciting. The first is just being alone. Both silence and solitude have a purpose. Being Purposefully, intentionally with God. Separating ourselves from other things that might demand or distract our attention so we can totally focus on Him.
“Solitude is the practice of being absent from other people and other things so that you can be present with God.” – watersedge.com
When you are alone with someone, you find out just how much happiness and fulfillment they bring you. Years ago, there was a girl in our group of friends that seemed like a great match for me. She was godly, smart, and pretty. So we went to dinner, and once it was just the two of us, we realized that we were both incredibly bored. We brought each other no happiness at all, and it was obvious once it was only the two of us. There was nothing wrong with her. And there was nothing wrong with me (well, actually there were lots of things wrong with me, but none had come up yet). We just didn’t connect in any kind of way that brought each other happiness, and that was very apparent once we were alone. I think that is why we fear being alone with God because so much of our happiness depends on other things.
That is one reason solitude is so important. It reveals where our heart searches for fulfillment. When we have nothing else, it becomes quite obvious where our contentment lies. Do we truly find our fulfillment in God alone? Or are we still digging wells, hoping to find happiness in a sixth husband? C.S. Lewis said, “God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.” True contentment only comes from God; it cannot be found apart from Him.
“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,” Matthew 6:21 (ESV).
It doesn’t say that your heart SHOULD be there, or even that it SHOULDN’T. Only that it WILL. Taking time to separate ourselves from everything else besides God is making an investment of our treasure in Him. Solitude is beneficial for understanding ourselves and for investing in what is good and right. Time alone with God is a beautiful thing to be longed for, not feared. Just like getting precious time alone with my wife is the treasure of the discipline of solitude.
Thoughts?

Todd