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
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.