Henri Nouwen called solitude . . . “the furnace of transformation.” This doesn’t refer to mere personal privacy for a twelve-second pit stop where we get a quick fix to reenter the race.
It’s more than that.
It’s an oasis of the soul where we see ourselves, others, and especially our God in new ways. It’s where much of the “clutter” of life is identified and exterminated, thanks to the merciless heat of the “furnace.”
Soul surgery transpires as serenity replaces anxiety.
In solitude, struggles occur that no one else knows about. Inner battles are fought here that seldom become fodder for sermons or illustrations for books. God, who probes our deepest thoughts during protracted segments of solitude, opens our eyes to things that need attention. It is here He makes us aware of those things we try to hide from others. ~Chuck Swindoll from Wisdom for the Way
Welcome to Still Saturday where we pause after a busy week, move in quiet pilgrimage, maybe linger a while in some still place, and soak in the beauty of images and words. We’d love for you to join us. Get the details above, grab your favorite button, and link up below. We all love to hear if something especially speaks to your heart, but please don’t feel pressured to comment. Simply take some time to gaze long and drink deep.
I think it’s time for me to find some of that solitude:) Great quote!
It’s waiting for you, Christina!
Solitude has been on my heart of late and I am feeling in need of that “furnice of transformation.” Thank you for sharing this and in doing so, helped comfirm what God has already been speaking to me about.
Have a blessed weekend.
😀 😀
Praying you find some space for solitude this weekend, Joan.
This I know, Sandra. I wrote about it yesterday. In a moment of quiet and solitude, the Lord showed me my own sinful heart, but it’s His “kindness that leads us to repentance”…so it’s good. It’s always good, because He is good. Have a beautiful weekend, my lovely friend. xox
Can’t say as I like those pointing-out moments. 🙂 xoxo
Not blogging this week, Sandy, but seeking that retreat of solitude so badly needed, I have started reading Andrew Murray’s Waiting on God, which begins with the very verse you quoted in your picture: Psalm 62:5!
Good for you, Sylvia. I don’t think I’ve read that one by Murray. Off to check it out in a bit. 🙂
I’m in desperate need of solitude, seeking it in the small moments in between since I cannot take a prper break until some of my commitments are settled.Thank you for this reminder to take even the small chunks of it as I can.
Take those small moments, Kris. You need them now more than ever. 🙂
I know I desperately need time of silence and solitude. Two spiritual practices that work wonders!
Me. Too. I need it, too.
I’ve been feeling a bit frustrated in my quiet times — trying to figure out what to study, what to read, what to learn. And then yesterday, I was just silent. I didn’t try to make myself pray or read or anything. I just waited. It’s amazing what that does.
Yes!
Just. Silent. Just being present.
Last night about midnight, after everyone was in bed, I went outside alone. Talked to God a little. But mostly just sat at the picnic table. Wandered around to the front and gazed at the moon. Listened to the sounds. Enjoyed the breeze. Breathed!
Yes, I am desperate for this, and I love how He draws me to Him, His heart with mine . . . and I hate how I can miss it, until I slow. Thank you and bless you this weekend!
It’s hard to drink on the run. I know this desperation well.
A furnace–meaning it’s not always comfortable! It’s sometimes hard for me to really make solitude happen–even if I have the time. Thanks for the thoughts!
Some believe we have a fear of solitude for that very reason. It can be uncomfortable to be with our thoughts, with what He might bring to mind. But so worth it in the end.
Solitude makes it so much easier for us to hear His still small voice. Thanks for the great post & awesome photos and for hosting the linkup, & God bless,
Laurie
I love to see you here, Laurie!
As always, restful,peaceful, calming nourishment for the soul from you to us. Delivered with love. Grateful that you generously share your gifts, your beautiful gifts, with us.
How you bless me, Elizabeth. Thank you.
Solitude – “the furnace of transformation” – “the place where inner battles are fought” and yet, what we hunger for. More importantly, what we need.
As silver refined…
Oh, amen, Sandy. So glad to slow with you today…
I’m always glad to slow with you, dear friend. I miss you.
I’m alone throughout parts of each week day, but solitude? Can’t really remember that. I know it’s time.
Pondering the difference between aloneness and solitude…
Great pictures and meditation, Sandra. Thank you.
🙂 Thanks for linking up, Jason!
Soul surgery
painful
useful
may I surrender to His hands
We’re in good hands…
Appreciate the reminder that I need to take time for solitude and soul surgery. Much needed, restoring.
And healing. How often do we put off going to the doctor or submitting to tests or even surgery–the things that could make us well…
I don’t always get to respond to all of your comments, but I read every one. I’m so grateful for your words and for what you bring to this community. In awe, really, that what’s been on my heart is also on so many of yours.
Oh, Sandra.
Reading this on the cusp of your post from the hospital and the smashed red jam. Layers and layers. I do so enjoy your calm contemplation in places others grieve and panic. I smile for you.
There are way many times I have to fight the panic, Joanne. But it’s in going outside, in the slowing, that I’m able to do that. 🙂
I have found this to be true in my own life and once I tasted, I feel like a child with sugar on her tongue wanting more. I keep wanting to go back to the sweetness of lingering there. Love those photos, you capture wildlife so well.
Don’t I know that hunger and thirst! It’s amazing how my whole being slows when I step outside–and sometimes I have to force myself to. I’m never sorry. It’s always sweet.
Love these beautiful egret photos. They have a way about them, don’t they?
I believe this is a blue heron, Courtney. And oh the way they can stand statue-like, patient, waiting to be fed
I thank you again for this link up!
I love your photos for this post. And amen for “serenity for anxiety”! Praise the Lord for His loving kindness to give us that type of serenity.
LOVE Nouwen.
You had me from that quote, because I quoted him today, too.:)
(my first time linking up with you, Sandy — how come i never saw this before???!!!)
Grateful for the strong wisdom shared through your readings: ‘furnace of transformation” ~ new and searing phrase soul searching.