Why do we find solitude and silence so difficult?  The moment I sit down, shut up and try to focus on God, my head fills itself up with the things of the day.  Its almost like my brain can't stand being with itself!

We find solitude and silence difficult because we have to listen to what's going on inside.  We hear the things that we've drowned out during the day through our busyness.  We hear the things that we don't like or want to hear.  We hear the things that need to be changed.

I was watching a DVD in my small group recently.  The presenter said something that blew me away.  He wondered aloud if he was busier than Jesus was.

It made me think: am I busier than Jesus? 

It's easier to think 'yes'.  Jesus didn't have kids or shop at the supermarket or have to go to Baptist church meetings.  But, somehow I don't think Jesus spent a single moment of his ministry days wasting time.  I'm sure there was always someone for him to speak to, heal or pray with.

Take for instance Matthew 14.  This chapter essentially represents a 24 hour period for Jesus.  He first hears about the death of his friend John.  He then retreats in a boat but finds a crowd of people waiting for him on the other side.  He has compassion on them and heals their sick.  When evening comes, he provides food for them (we're talking 5,000 men plus women and children).  After dinner, his day still isn't finished.  He sends his disciples away and goes up a mountain alone to pray.  Very early in the morning he walks on the water to go and help his struggling disciples.  When they finish their boat ride, more sick people were brought to him at Gennesaret.

Maybe he slept on the mountain after he prayed?  Maybe he just prayed through the night?  We're not told either way, but whatever he did, we can't say he wasn't busy that day.

Jesus sets the example here.  Twice, according to this account of the story in Matthew, Jesus sought solitude to pray.  The second time, after the first didn't quite work out, he actually sent everyone away so he could be alone with God.  He made time as it was a priority for him to do so.

How can you make time for solitude with God?  It's those ugly things that we hear in solitude and silence that God wants to work on.