Solitude – Time Alone with God

Periods of quiet set apart from the noise and busyness of life are not a luxury but a necessity – a space to reflect, regain perspective and draw near to God.

The Value of Being Alone

Human beings require both social interaction and periods of quiet to be balanced people. Often the greatest decisions (after gathering the facts) are made on our own. Times of solitude are beneficial for reflection, direction and to regain a right perspective on life – connecting with our inner self without the distractions and turmoil happening around about, and free from the 'well-meaning' advice of others. By consistently walking with integrity when no human is watching, if we are thrust into the public limelight our behaviour will just be an extension of our private lifestyle.

Treasure your times of privacy – use them well

Time Alone with God

Do not be afraid to be alone with God – who better to spend time with? Jesus regularly sought solitude to be alone with God for fellowship through prayer, and to be refreshed in spirit (Mt 14:23; Lk 5:16). The Bible also records He was alone, praying before choosing the twelve apostles, and in His distress in Gethsemane (Lk 6:12-13, 22:39-44).

Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest – Mark 6:31

Getting out into nature, away from the noise of the world, is one of the simplest and most effective ways to be refreshed and invigorated. Creation itself preaches: green pastures and still waters restore the soul (Ps 23:2-3), and the heavens declare the glory of God without a word being spoken (Ps 19:1-4). A walk along a beach, through bushland or even a quiet park – with the phone silenced and the demands of the day set aside – stills the inner clamour and makes room to hear God's still, small voice. Fresh air, natural beauty and unhurried time recalibrate us physically, emotionally and spiritually, so that we return with renewed vigour for the tasks and people awaiting us.

It is vital for us too, as Christians, to have 'time out' with God in quiet times of fellowship or focused periods of intimacy with the Spirit of Life, so we are better prepared for the challenges of life – receiving spiritual strength from God (Isa 40:28-31; Jn 10:10; Rom 8:2). Don't be so busy 'doing', in a flurry of activity, that there is no time to 'be' – a risk in today's society. We all need space – some place and time to 'do our own thing' without being answerable to anyone except God, to refocus on what is truly important.

Solitude without Isolation

Solitude is not the same as social isolation – it is not a place to live, cloistering ourselves away from society. God does not intend any believer to withdraw permanently from human contact: we are made for fellowship, and love finds its expression in how we treat one another (Jn 13:34-35; Heb 10:24-25). Even the hermits of history who sought God in the wilderness were, in the end, fleeing the very relationships through which much of His refining work is done.

However, in order to fully enjoy our relationship with God and to beneficially participate in godly community, we must have times when we relate with God one-on-one. Solitude and community are not rivals but partners: being refreshed by intimacy with God, we return to the market place with something of substance to share with hurting and spiritually thirsty humanity. Godly community, in turn, deepens our private walk with Him. A life with only one of the two is unbalanced – the person who lives only among people seldom hears God's voice clearly, while the person who lives only in quietness has few opportunities to practise the love they have received.

Both spending time alone and connecting with others

Reflection and Application:

Schedule a regular quiet time with God each day, and guard it as deliberately as any other appointment.
Before a major decision, gather the facts – then take time alone with God to seek His direction.
Watch that busyness and activity do not crowd out simply 'being' in God's presence.
Enjoy godly community, but cultivate times of one-on-one fellowship with God.