Solitude

"Silence is one of the deepest disciplines of the Spirit simply because it puts the stopper on all self-justification."

So often I find myself becoming defensive in situations, whether I am at fault or not. I want to justify my reasoning, I want people to understand where I am coming from. And then I get really annoyed with myself, because I jump in before I can listen or allow God to work in my heart.

I can identify with what Kristen said, "If I do not spend time alone listening to God, I will not deal with the sins in my life."

I think it is more of a struggle to allow the Spirit to humble me in these situations, than to trust that God will take care of it (which I struggle with as well). If I come before the Lord, silent and willing, I am afraid of what he will bring up from the corners of my heart. It is dark and ugly in there, I don't want anyone to see it, not even God. But he doesn't bring it up and leave it there. He heals my wounds and restores my soul as He draws me closer.

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed (with the sins of the world), for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.' The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord... Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him... For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love."

-Lamentations 3:22-32