Superman had a Fortress of Solitude. It was an Arctic sanctuary that reminded him of his true identity and renewed his strength. After one of his epic battles that nearly killed him, he absorbed the energies of the Fortress for healing.
And then there was Rocky Balboa. In Rocky IV, he decided to train for his boxing showdown with Russian fighter, Ivan Drago, in the Siberian wilderness. He chose that remote place so he could focus on preparing for the fight. And it paid off! He defeated the giant!
For us Christians, God is supposed to be our fortress of solitude – He must be that place for us! In His presence, we are reminded of who we are in Christ. In His presence, our soul strength in Christ is renewed. In His presence, we can focus on the Lord Jesus Christ and armor up for spiritual battles. In His presence, we get to know God more and more. When we intentionally wait for God alone in the silence, God is pleased to strengthen our souls with His power and steadfast love (Psalm 62). Is God your Fortress of Solitude?
Jesus Christ practiced the twin spiritual disciplines of silence and solitude. On numerous occasions, God the Son withdrew from the hustle and bustle of life and ministry for a quiet time of prayer with God the Father (Mark 1:35; Luke 4:1-13; 5:16; 6:12; 9:28; 11:1; 21:37; 22:39-42). He was strengthened for ministry and obedience to God’s will – even death on the cross!
Making His holy habits and sacred rhythms our own is vitally important. This is the way to soul strength for the daily journey.
