Savoring Solitude

Savoring Solitude

What Do You Long For?

O Lord, all my longing is before you;  my sighing is not hidden from you.  Psalm 38:9

I used to echo this question at the start of some of my classes. 

I ask the same of all of you today:  What do you long for?  

In this season, my longings are for more sun, warmer temperatures, ice melting, buds blossoming, green grass, my kids back in school, investments growing, physical health and warm feet, less wrinkles, a few less pounds, reduced water levels on the Bay, closer relationships with family and friends, corporate worship again at All Saints, dinner with friends, residential classes at UW-GB, another vacation, parts of my old routine, and last but not least, a vaccination for COVID-19.

But what about longing for Jesus?

Longing is good. Longing opens our hearts. Longing can lead us to God.  

What do you long for?  We all have time to listen to the cry of our souls.  I encourage all of us to spend time in solitude, notice the longings of our heart and talk to our Father in heaven. 

Last week, I came to God’s throne room with the longing of the psalmist:  “Give me a sign of your goodness!” (Psalm 86:17).

I saw the cross.  And in delight, I sang in my heart the lyrics “at the cross, at the cross where your loved poured out, I’m in awe of you, I’m in awe of you.”  And then bursts of shimmering light cascaded over my head.  And then I prayed “give me signs all day of your goodness.”

I implore you to carve out time of solitude with our heavenly Father.  God desires to be with you!

“In solitude she bided,

And in the solitude her nest she made:

In solitude, he guided

His loved-one through the shade

Whose solitude the wound of love has made.”

- St. John of the Cross, Song Between the Soul and Bridegroom

The wound of Jesus’ love increases the longings of my heart!  And when I am wounded with love, then I know I am healed.

Longing, whether I feel Your hands or not, I want to be held by You.  I long for an embrace from You, for You are the one I always longed for.

Longing, whether I see Your hands or not, I want to see Your pierced hands and fall at Your feet.  I long to see You, for You are the one I always longed for.

Longing, whether I hear Your voice or not, I want to hear my new name spoken over me.  I long to hear You, for You are the one I always longed for.

Longing, whether I smell You or not, I want the aroma of Your presence.  I long to smell life from You, for You are the one I always longed for.

Longing, whether I taste Your goodness or not, I want the feast.  I long to dine with delight and be satisfied, for You are the one I always longed for.

This is my desire – for my longing to grow, to know You more Jesus and to love You more Jesus.

What do I long for?  I long to be at God’s throne and in his presence. To exist in His delight and know it to my core, without the creep of self-doubt and shame.  I long for contentment, joy and peace despite my circumstances and the “safe at home” policy.

I have my heart set on pilgrimage. So here I am Lord Jesus.  I long for you. 

Thoughts of Reflection

What do you long for?

What prevents you from spending time in solitude with Jesus?

All Saints Contributor - Shauna Froelich