The word solitude has many connotations (e.g. silence, seclusion, etc.), but it’s worth noting that when the Bible mentions solitude it does so with favorableness. Sure, Scripture talks about feelings of rejection, abandonment, and the like, but these sentiments are never conflated with solitude. Instead, solitude is held high in Scripture as an aspiration and is often romanticized by the authors. For example, in Psalm 55:6, King David wrote, “If only I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest.” You see, David fantasized about solitude and equated going away with finding rest.
The Gospels are replete with instances in which Jesus took time to escape from the public eye and be alone with the Father. Following the death of John the Baptist, Scripture says that Jesus left for a remote place (Matthew 14:13). And immediately following that scene in the text, Jesus fed more than 5,000 men, women, and children with five loaves of bread and two fish. Afterward, there wasn’t an after-party. There wasn’t a meet-and-greet or a line for autographs. Rather, Jesus sent the crowds away and went up on a mountain by Himself to pray (v.23).
Notice the dichotomy between these two examples. In Matthew 14:1–13, we have a tragic death and a scene of injustice, but in verses 14–23, we have a miracle and an otherworldly act of mercy. If each of these passages were premises for films, the first would easily be rated “R,” as it’s a disturbingly dramatic scene. The second passage, on the other hand, is a feel-good affair, safe for the whole family. And yet, both passages conclude in the same fashion: Jesus seeks solitude. From Jesus’s examples, it seems clear that solitude was always meant to precede and follow all of life’s greatest events (regardless of the nature of those events). Luke summed it up nicely in his Gospel when he wrote, “Yet He often withdrew to deserted places and prayed” (Luke 5:16).
Whether we are wrestling with life’s traumas and reeling from loss, or enraptured and overwhelmed by God’s miraculous works, solitude is always our next step; it is always on the believer’s agenda, forever in our spiritual playbook. Wherever you look in Scripture, it’s apparent that true intimacy with the Father is only achieved, in part, by devoting oneself to a rhythm of solitude.
Here’s a guarantee: God will never stand you up. He won’t leave you alone in deserted places. He won’t leave you abandoned in your isolation. He won’t leave you marooned in your solitude. We can slip away to be alone with God, knowing that He waits to meet with us.
Written by Sean Bess
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86 thoughts on "Solitude"
Same! I always want more than I get!
God gives me great pleasure in my solitude. I am around others at work and Bible study. Then I return home to my solitude with God.
Solitude has looked different, and at times hard to find, as a new mom. But I know Jesus knows this season and can help me find the space I need to grow with Him and rest in Him, so I do have the field to love my family. Help me be creative and open in this season Jesus!
Oh how I crave solitude in this season of raising little kids! Such a gift to treasure it even in small amounts and interrupted rhythms
Carolyn I thought this day would be so perfect for this season♥️
Loved this day! Solitude is my jam, it’s how I refuel but solitude with God is an area I know I can do better in!
Solitude is an necessary act of obedience. Too often I fight to give up my time but I am so thankful when I choose to spend my time delving into scripture, praying and silence.
Solitude…always the next step and God will always meet us there.
I just want you to know how encouraging your words are for me! After every devo, I search for your post for even more revelation. Thank you for sharing! You have helped strengthen me.
Yes❤️
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For the last 3 yrs my mom has lived in our home. She doesn’t drive now and only goes out when I take her to different things. So I find solitude in my car when driving alone. I sometimes shed tears, pray, sing praise songs, and talk to Jesus and find my car to be a place of solitude since at home I am never alone❤️
@Penny, I noticed that, too. I so often get frustrated when my plans get changed, but Jesus showed no frustration, only compassion. May I have the same level of compassion toward others in my life!
Lord help me
What jumped out at me from the Scripture reading is that Jesus was seeking solitude after John the Baptist’s death, but that was not possible because the crowd was there. Instead of getting annoyed and frustrated, he taught them and served them. After meeting their needs, he was able to find the time alone with his Father. God knows our hearts, as well as our life situations. Seek solitude with Him, but don’t feel like a failure when life gets in the way. He’ll be there for you when you find those moments of quietness.
Tracy Gendron – thank u for the book recommendation, I just ordered it.
Thank u all for your prayers, it truly meant so much to me as I read through them this evening.
Natasha E – I too was blindsided and it broke me. Not all days are good but by spending that time each morning reading my bible and listening to sermons, it has helped me focus on something positive. Good luck and I hope u find some peace tmw morning.
I’ve always enjoyed space. Space so I can collect my thoughts, pray in peace and just overall it helps me be a better person. Some have called me selfish or thought I was just weird for it but I knew deep down I wasn’t and never have been. It feels good to think and pray and just talk to God. ❤️
“God will never stand you up. He will never leave you alone in deserted places”
Solitude is not a bad thing! In fact it’s healthy to take time by yourself with God.
Oh, how my heart longs for this…for intentional solitude where I can focus on my Savior with no distractions. I have had the desire to do quarterly weekend retreats where it’s just me and God and His Word, with no distractions. Intentional time set aside to be with him. I’m resolving right now to make it happen in the next few months.
I love my quiet ( solitude ) time before anyone arises in the morning, sometimes I just sit and ponder on His goodness not really saying anything just soaking in His presence, in the word!!
I love the verse that Jesus woke up much earlier before the break of day in order to pray to God in solitude. I will try my best to do the same. I never see this practice of waking up early to pray so emphasized like now. It jumped at me and convicted me. I usually think praying to God any time of the day will suffice. But, drawing close and seeking God at the start of the day when all things are quiet and still always gives me great strength and a sense of peace and joy. It reminds me to be anchored to my source. I am committed to do it. Please pray for me sisters that I can successfully do this daily, among other responsibilities of kids, family and full time work. Thank you my sweet SRT sisters. I am praying for the prayer requests that I see posted on here. May we find God and his strengths in our solitude moments that we intentionally set apart for Him.
Hi Karrie. My husband told me last week that he wanted a 7 day trial separation… which utterly shocked me & broke my heart. I’m sorry that life has been so rough for you & just prayed for God to bless you. This week I’ve been spending time on a silent retreat for the first time. Reading your comment I’m encouraged to bring solitude into my day, each morning if possible…
Totally agree, writing down flitting thoughts and reading alous and praying aloud. Powerful
Well said
I always begin with a simple prayer asking the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts and inspirations and direct them to God’s glory. Sometimes I just apologize to God and ask Him to get me back to our conversation. Sometimes I ask God why I am thinking about whatever it is that is distracting me and if it might indeed be God redirecting my thoughts to what He really wants me to concentrate on. I learned not to beat myself up or feel like I have failed somehow because I haven’t “experienced “ anything profound. I know God loves me and appreciates the time I purposefully set aside to “waste” with Him.
I have used this pandemic time to my advantage by spending more time in solitude with the Father.
As I was reading this I was saying Amen to almost every sentence or every other sentence. I feel Sean really hit home for me with his last paragraph. Right now when we have to so much isolation it’s nice to know that God and Christ are with us. I need to remember to turn to them more when I feel alone. Not having anyone to come home to at the end of the work day sometimes makes it hard but now I can remind myself I will be coming home to the Lord.
Have a blessed day sisters.
Solitude with our Lord is a haven of rest!
I am craving solitude with Jesus.
Jesus’s attitude towards the crowds when they interrupted his solitude time to grieve was: compassion. This hit home. How often do I respond badly to my children when my solitude/ quiet time is interrupted? Lord give me compassion for my children even when they interrupt our time together. Also Jesus made the solitude a priority after the miracles he performed. I believe God will bless the small amount of solitude we have when time is limited but He still is a priority.
Growing up had me isolating myself often, always confused and looking for answers and wanting to speak to God but that he could not hear me. How silly I was, now that I live farther into the desert and embraced my solitude is where God met me. I am humbled and grateful for His love and know that he has never once abandoned me. I take delight in the solitude.
I often forget just how powerful solitude (and silence!) are. For many years I was single and in full time ministry. My schedule was much more flexible and created space for extended time with the Lord. My mornings were full of solitude and time to be with God. Monthly I would spend a day alone with the Lord and often tried to plan a little overnight retreat for solitude with God as well. For many years when I would not have Saturday night plans as close friends all coupled off and had date night I began planning “date night with Jesus” and would go away somewhere beautiful listen to worship music or a sermon and just be with Christ. Those times filled me in ways I can’t describe.
Now years later I am married and no longer in full time ministry but work a busy job at a tech company. I still try to find my time with God each morning but I find it so much harder to find those extended times with God. I can forget just how good they are for my soul. This study (along with John Mark Comer’s The Way of Jesus curriculum) has reminded me how good it is to go away with God and how much I need Him to fill my soul. Life only gets busier and more full and it is a choice to get away to be alone with God wherever that may be and however that may look.
A few others have mentioned this but The Pause App by John Eldridge had been helpful for me in the past year to find pockets of quiet to focus on being with Christ, even in a busy day at work (when we were in the office especially) I would pop in my headphones and simply take 1 or 3 minutes to pause and be with Christ in the middle of the business of the work day. I want to begin this small practice again as I work on finding more ways to incorporate solitude in my life again.
Thank you for reminding me that being alone is not always bad. I take the time first thing in the morning to do my devotions and read my Bible. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with the upcoming busyness of the day that I go without doing my devotions and spending time with God. Those days always seem to be harder to get through. Thank you .
NADS – I can identify with the distraction of a busy brain! You said you feel God most when praying aloud with others. Could it be that during those times your focus was drawn to God and you were able to turn quiet the noise of your own concerns?
I have found using scripture (often a Psalm) that tells about God and His characteristics to start my prayer and reading it aloud will lead to praise of Who He is. It then turns into a time of worship and fellowship with the Him. He desires that fellowship with you and will help you to quiet the other voices so that you may hear His still small voice.
Will pray that you may grow in seeking and finding His presence with you.
Praying for you Karrie!
How incredibly strong! Congratulations on your new baby. ❤️
This past year has been a time of solitude for many. I was pregnant and gave birth during the pandemic. Yes, there were times when it was lonely and I craved interaction with others. However, it was a time where my relationship with my God grew stronger and for that I am thankful.
I love the idea of not just going to be alone but God being there to meet me. My favorite thing I did on church retreats as a teen was when we’d be told to wander off into whatever nature place were at and be alone with God. Obviously we couldn’t wander very far but being out in nature and taking time to be quiet is something I crave throughout the year. I love it when I do find it
I have always had a lot of solitude. As the 3rd child that came 5 years later. As a divorced mother of an ill child. I cherished these moments alone. Doing my Bible study was my favorite time of day. I also had lots of noise. I was a hair stylist, but I loved it. It seems there has been a wonderful balance. I pray that is the case when my husband retires. He does not like to be alone, but he knows that I need it.
This devotional really hits close to home for me today. Thank you SRT. I live alone in Boston and have been working remotely since March 2020 (in Boston). I had the opportunity to drive to Florida and spend time with my parents last month. I am able to help my mom with my dad, who has vascular dementia and is almost 91, and to work hard at my job while here. It has been a real blessing for me to be with them and to be in the sun while staying covid safe.
The problem is my dad is very irrational and gets weirdly jealous of any time I spend with my mom (which is not much). She is so thankful for the physical, moral, and spiritual support I provide. I was hoping to be able to stay a little longer as my dad is really starting to fail and I worry about my mom caring for him alone. I also dread going back to the cold lonely north. Without the ability to see my church family and friends it is very, very lonely. I have always love my alone time but this is starting to get to me. I know I am incredibly blessed by my situation and don’t mean to complain. Sisters, can I ask you to pray for me and my upcoming transition. That it would be the best for my mom and for myself. Thank you, friends.
Karrie I have been in your place. There is a book “Hope for the Separated, Wounded Marriages can be Healed” by Gary Chapman. It help me a lot. Prayers
Praying for you, Karrie!
Jesus drew away to pray, pray intentionally. He meets us when we take the time to seek Him, to turn off the noise, away from the distractions. This is something I need to do more, turn off the noise for long periods of time so I can attune my ears and my heart and listen to His still small voice, Sometimes this is difficult, but so so needed. What God has shown me even in the busyness of my work is that sometimes solitude is the choice for a few minutes to step aside and pray, or in the dwelling on scripture in my cubicle between phone calls. Even in these moments He meets me and gives me strength and restores my soul. He gives us air. Praying for you sisters that asked for prayer this morning. Know He will meet you even if you can only draw near for a few minutes and the interruptions could be Jesus drawing your child into the beauty of seeing the beauty of their Mom seeking Jesus and Him inviting your wee ones into that precious moment of sanctuary. He is so good.
I just love this! Early morning is my time with Him too ❤️
My time with Jesus is my fuel for the day! It’s something I look forward to and it brings me peace.
Thank you for this.❤️
Yes, as a young mother raising and homeschooling four children, I found my only time for solitude was early in the morning before anyone else was awake. It didn’t always have time alone. Toddlers sometimes wake up at the slightest noise. But I would allow them in my lap if they remained quiet and still. And I would pray out loud with them so they understood that we were with God.
I still enjoy my solitude as an empty nester with grown children and now grandchildren. And some mornings I have a grand curled in my lap now which melts my heart.
It’s still true…God is always here waiting for me. He loves each moment. And I cherish each moment. Solitude…it’s necessary. Blessings to my SRT sisters. ❤️
Karrie,
I read your post, and I have been in those places of separation, and divorce. Yes, that time of solitude with the Lord brought me through and allowed me to see and know Him in ways I otherwise may not have. Prayers for you as you go back to work and your children. I often struggle with solitude, for I am a doer, mover, get something done kind of woman. I have to remind myself to be slower, to stop, to “not” do something. I love hearing God’s peaceful voice flow over me and fill me when I slow down. I love this website and devotional’s. Blessings ladies to all of you
I have tried over the years to find solitude each day, even when it meant rising really early before the kids and husband. Sometimes the only solitude was in the car headed to work. I found that because I benefited from those times of prayer and focus, I craved them. It still can be a challenge to quiet my mind, so a journal helps me focus. The phone is off to the side or far away. COVID and early retirement for my husband has provided some new challenges to my solitude, but I have adjusted. Any time of quiet before the Lord is a gift , even if it is in the middle of the night. I try to enjoy and use what time He allows.
I love my meeting place with Jesus! I crave it. I look forward to it. Just me and Jesus.
I’ve been off work due to the pandemic for 2.5 months now. I separated from my husband just prior to that. The past few month have been some of the worst of my life. But I used this time off to strengthen my relationship with God. I wake up early in the morning, I have 1-2 hrs by myself til my gals wake up in which I read my bible, listen to sermons and pray while I have coffee. During the day, I walk the dog and listen to sermons. And in the evenings I read my bible after the girls go to bed and pray to God to give me clarity and to repair my marriage. I’m terrified as I go back to work tomorrow that I won’t have the time I have had with God and he’s what has helped me get thru this traumatic time in my life. Thank u for this site. I look forward to it every morning. ❤️
So thankful the He never leaves us!
I could not agree more!! It makes for the best morning/day!
I see that the times Jesus went to be alone were fuel for Him, leaving His thoughts (both good & troublesome ones taken captive) with God, conversing and listening. So that when He leaves the solitude, Jesus had the fuel to Be strength ahead for others. When Jesus went to God in solitude the time gave Him perspective, rest, healing for brokenness, kept sin and temptation away, kept Him focused on His mission purpose. I love my solitude times with God. I love asking questions in my conversations with Him and hearing from Him in the Word, from the Holy Spirit, or wise others with the answers. When I don’t go to God to refuel or to fuel up for what’s ahead I get burnout, pride, distracted, angry, tempted into choosing sin. I’m an introvert who knows I need solitude with Jesus so I can be extroverted and focused for His glory.
@Monique–Lately, I have been incorporating meditation practices before getting out of bed and/or during the day–breathing deeply and allowing my mind to empty has helped be to better focused, more patient, etc. Netflix has a series called Headspace Guide to Meditation if you are interested.
Monique – I sometimes keep a ‘parking lot’ next to me during my quiet time. Each time a thought comes into my mind that isn’t connected to my time with Jesus, I write it down. That way, I dunt feel like I have to remember, and it helps me focus but also validates my thoughts.
Yes
I love my solitude with my Jesus and coffee in the mornings. I typically wake around 5:30 but on occasion I sleep in to 6am. I get at least 1-2 hours before the house wakes up and needs me… but those two hours spent on the back porch with the Word or in the kitchen when the sun comes through my window are what set the tone for my day. Just like the devotional said… I set out for solitude before the big events of the day. It’s been like that for a few years now and I can tell a difference in my spirit and life.
Every morning I look forward to my time with God. I rise early to be with the Lord. My son and my husband knows this is my time with the Lord. If I get up late or we have something to do early and I don’t get that time alone with God I feel it all day. I love being in solitude with Him first thing. I believe it to be the best part of my day.
I have to rise early in the morning if I want solitude, or in the middle of the night. ( I have seven kids ranging from 12 to due in February)I find that I don’t reach the place of a quieted mind unless I first am really honest and real with God about my feelings, anxieties, askings, and fears. This usually leads to a good cry. A good cry of calling the Lord to be near me. A good cry with tears of sadness and happiness. Then I just curl up in his arms like a child and let myself be in his presence. Solitude from the world but not from him.
What a beautiful picture!
Solitude is something the Lord has been making clear to me that I need to practice more. Between being a wife and Mommy to 2 busy kids, working and dealing with chronic migraines that haven’t let up in 2 months, I’ve hit the overwhelmed wall, and been struggling the last two weeks with panic attacks. My brain is so tired that even listening to worship music or the podcasts I enjoy has felt like too much. In talking to a mentor of mine from church, she reminded me that I need to take time, alone, without guilt, to be quiet with the Lord. Just be with Him. I admit that sounds hard to me because I feel like I’m letting people around me down if I take any time for me….but the Lord is showing me the error of that thought. To be the best me I can be for my people, I need to take time to allow Him to be all that I need. Intentional time with Him. There is so much more to solitude, I know, and I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s take on it so far today. But this is how I feel God is revealing it to me in my life right now.
I desire solitude with the Lord so much and rise early most days to spend time with Him but I so struggle with quieting my mind and focusing. Do you all have examples or tips of how you push aside your random thoughts and focus sely on the Lord during your solitude?
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I am LOUSY at Solitude…I love feeling Jesus deeply but, I have a brain that does NOT quit!! I feel God most when praying out loud with someone but, there are few opportunities these days. I also find myself shying away from that quiet, sit down with Jesus times because I’m scared sadness and regret will creep in…and I’m LOUSY at journaling but, always have paper handy.
Pray for me Sisters because I actually DO feel like I’m being CALLED to it and trust that He will meet me there! Please pray for my first steps and I welcome any pointers / tips / advice.
I cherish you all.
Nads, I’m a Christian Life Coach that specializes in trauma. If you are afraid that regret and sadness will creep in its very important to take that to the Lord and process that with Him. He wants all your fears and emotions and He will carry you through! There is healing that needs to be done there! I’ll be praying you can release that burden to Him!
Solitude is intentionally spending time with God by living our lives following the example of Jesus.
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Lord be compassionate toward me!
ANGIE- I understand you! ;) And it is funny you mentioning your life now has an abundance of opportunity for solitude… as the parents of 3 ranging from baby-8yr, my husband asked me the other day “will we EVER just have quiet, get through a whole conversation the first try, NOT be constantly bombarded with noise..?” And I said we would and we’ll probably miss this chaos..!! (Maybe…!!)
Solitude for me, as mentioned by others, is an intentional find. I will NEVER in this season of life just stumble upon it. People talk about the alone time due to the pandemic, but for me it’s constantly being needed by 3 little people. From virtual school to class-apps to food to more snacks to a baby and all of his needs, it is literally constant. I wake up early to get time for reading/praying, but even that seems cut short and on a time crunch… it’s tough. I ache some days for just rest.
Angie,
What a beautiful reflection! I just entered my “back to work” season and in my short time between getting up and leaving for school, I try savor the quiet and spend a few minutes with my Bible, praying for God’s presence throughout the day. I love the idea of a solitary retreat!
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As a single person in my late 20s in a pandemic, I have more alone time than I’d like. I’m often trying to combat my loneliness with other people’s stories through TV, movies, social media, books, and podcasts. But today’s reading is a good reminder to me that God meets with us in solitude. Jacob’s life-changing encounters with God were not during a big church worship event or corporate retreat, but when he was alone with God in the wilderness. Maybe, even though I’m streaming church every Sunday from home and it’s hard to engage in the ways I was used to, maybe God still wants to meet with me in the solitude. Maybe if I turn off the rest of the noise, I can listen to Him better.
How true
There is a difference between being alone and solitude. As a single person who is also an introvert, I have a lot of alone time. It takes intentionally setting aside time for God to find true rest and peace in Him. I know this where I can find peace, but in this noise driven world that intentionality isn’t always easy. And my time alone at home tends to be filled with distractions of all kinds. I pray that I would have the strength and desire to set more time apart for solitude with God in prayer and worship.
Solitude
Solitude is a state of seclusion or isolation, i.e., lack of contact with people. It can have have both positive and negative effects, depending on the situation. Short-term solitude is often valued as a time when one may work, think or rest without being disturbed.Wikipedia
Scriptural solitude is the biblical practice of temporarily withdrawing to privacy for spiritual purposes. The period of solitude may last only a few minutes or for days. Generally it is sought in order to engage in other spiritual disciplines without the distractions typical in the presence of people. The Gospel and the Discipline of Solitude.
My time with Jesus, with just talking, praying or meditating on his word. Have a most blessed week.
I find that solitude is a Welcome friend but that could be the introvert in me. I often find Jesus there in the quiet and can worship and be refreshed.
As a mother of young children, your time for solitude is limited, yet God always provided as my heart searched. Getting up early, as my children woke, I would tuck them into “mommy and daddy’s bed” to sleep a little more while mommy talked to Jesus.
During their elementary through college years, I went back to work as a teacher. I would still get up early for my Jesus time. I would also take 1-2 days a year where I would stay home and do nothing but sleep, read my Bible, and pray, while everyone was out of the house. I would randomly also take an overnight to a place in Michigan called, The Hermitage. In a renovated old barn, where silence was understood and expected, I could meet with God. There was also 66 acres of paths, fields, and gardens with some private shacks to hold up in. In those seasons of my life, solitude was something I had to plan for. If I did not make it a priority, it did not happen.
Now that we are empty-nesters, I have a whole lot of solitude. What I have learned in this time is that while I may be alone, or things may be silent, it is my choice whether I take the quiet as a time to draw away with God or fill it with noise and things that have no value.
Through the years, these times of solitude have been true treasures. It is a time of refreshing, restoration, and renewal. It is a time of learning and growth and of worship and praise. It is a time that fills with the breath of God so that the exhale may be something good that honors and glorifies Him. And I am thankful for them.
While I enjoy engaging with people and hearing their story, I also need alone time. Alone but not lonely. My quiet time with the Lord strengthens me for daily encounters and the work that needs done. It establishes the right attitude and focus. I have plenty of alone time during this pandemic but I have to be intentional about how I use it. Solitude is recharging and refreshing, refocusing and relaxing, all of which are especially needed during this time of Covid.
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This message is hitting home tonight. We started a 4 week sermon series today based on Gary Thomas’ book Sacred Pathways. “Sacred Pathways reveals nine distinct spiritual temperaments–and their strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies–to help you improve your spiritual life and deepen your personal walk with God.” There is an assessment you can take to help you figure out which of the nine ways you naturally express yourself in your relationship with God. My strongest “temperament” is Contemplative. Contemplatives feel closest to God in the quiet dwelling of what He has done for them. They would describe their relationship with God as intimate and say that God is their closest friend. These scriptures tonight and the SRT msg confirm this pathway For me and speaks right to my heart. Thank You Father for the way we connect to each other. I love you. ❤️