Practicing Solitude - A Call to Action


It's week 10 onboard the Africa Mercy. Life here has a rhythm, like the beat of a drum. The drum is an invitation to dance and share joy. The beat speeds and slows depending on the day, but the drum is always reverberating. The hospital has completed nearly 100 surgeries, forever changing the lives of the patients. Crew members come and go as their commitments start or end. New, lifelong friendships are formed. Life is good.



Suddenly, though, the drum beat has paused. Sickness has snuck onto the ship. Our captain has called for each of us to practice solitude. How do you practice solitude when the drum beat is meant to be a shared experience?  How do you continue to find joy in the stillness?

Over the last week, I have been reminded over and over again that Jesus sought out solitude to spend time with the Father. 

Mark 1:35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he [Jesus] departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

Matthew 14:23 And after he [Jesus] had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.

Jesus routinely found time to spend in solitude so he could pray to the Father. In this time when the Africa Mercy crew has been called to solitude, I have found myself spending more time reading the Bible and in prayer, asking the Lord for the following:

Psalm 119:36 Incline my heart to your testimonies.
Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may behold the wondrous things out of you law.
Psalm 90:14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

The Lord has been faithful to reveal truths about himself in these times and confirm plans for the future. There is so much joy found in seeking the Lord. He told us as much in Psalm 16:11: You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right are pleasures forevermore. 



If you have never met this Jesus I speak of, may I encourage you to contemplate where your joy is found. Is it found in something temporary like a good meal or your favorite sports team winning the big game? You feel satisfied for a moment but when you wake the next day the emotion is gone. Or do you find joy in the only eternal source, Jesus Christ? His drum beat is life-giving and eternal. 


Prayer Requests

  • Restored health on the ship.
  • Quick and complete healing for patients.
  • Preparation of my heart and mind to return to the US soon. 

Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 27, 2022 at 7:05 AM

    Prayers for you and all you are with. Thank you for serving Jesus in this way and taking us along. God bless your last week and travel to your next steps. ❤️

    ReplyDelete

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