Sometimes we long for a moment alone, but there are other times we may not want to be alone but because of our circumstances we find ourselves by ourselves.
We know that with God we’re never alone but scripture shows how our relationship with God can become more intimate in isolation.
JESUS SPENT TIME BY HIMSELF AT LEAST SIX TIMES IN THE BIBLE AND HIS REASONS FOR SOLITUDE ARE VERY TELLING
- To prepare for a major task (Luke 4:1-2, 14-15).
- To recharge after hard work (Mark 6:30-32).
- To work through grief (Matthew 14:1-13).
- Before making an important decision (Luke 6:12-13). Early in His ministry Jesus spent the whole night alone in prayer. The next day He chose his 12 disciples.
- In a time of distress (Luke 22:39-44). Hours before Jesus was arrested He went to the Mt. of Olives and went a short distance away from His disciples to pray. He was in great emotional agony knowing what he was about to face.
- To focus on prayer (Luke 5:16). Many times in Jesus’ ministry He spent time alone in prayer.
Jesus didn’t only retreat to be alone with God. He also taught his disciples to do the same (Mark 3.7, Mark 6.31-32, Luke 9.10).
“Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” Mark explains, “For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves” – Mk. 6.31-32
Whether you’re pursuing a desolate place to be alone or you’re forced to be alone, in moderation it can be a productive and beneficial time of spiritual growth.
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