Retreating is usually not a good thing if you are in the military. It coincides with giving up or giving in or even running away. Is it more than that though? Even in the military, there are those times when retreat is the best choice and to not do so can be disastrous.
On a spiritual level I believe it is the same thing. Retreat is good when the battle has been long or difficult or just had its cumulative effect on us. I love retreats now that I know of Abbeys to go to or quiet places. As a youth, a retreat was rarely a quiet time of reflection. Yes, we got away from home but no one taught us about the joy of silence, of solitude or even the proper view of a spiritual community.
Jesus often withdrew to a desert or wilderness place. If the Lord of all had to retreat once in a while, why do we not teach that in church? Youth retreats are times of singing, worship services, small group Bible studies but not much time in silence, in finding oneself. Adult retreats are usually not much better, a group Bible study, some activities and some time alone.
Why are we afraid of silence? Who are we afraid to meet in that silence, in that time alone and away from all else? I contend, from experience mind you, that the one we least want to meet is ourselves. I think we are all afraid that if we are really honest with ourselves we will just give up. We know all of the worst in us. We know we are not good enough or deserving. But what if I told you that if you embrace that one you fear you will find not only joy but the living God?
If you can get past the self-deprecation and keep silent, you will find you, that beautiful creation that the Creator said, “It is good”, you are good! And what do we fear in silence? I think we fear those old “tapes” that our parents or family or life itself taught us. When we are quiet, the voice we hear tells us how we have failed, how we don’t measure up, how we must do or be better. That is not the still small voice of God, that is the loud and chaotic voice of shame.
We have been bought at a great price. In retreat, in silence, we spend time with the purchaser! “Be still and know” is still one of the most important calls from God. Step away, if only in your heart and mind. Be quiet, at least inside. Turn off the old tapes…….can you hear it? That still small voice of love?
TMM