Solitude

The term solitude is a bit misleading, for in solitude we do not seek to be totally alone, but alone with God. Solitude is one of the most intimate relational graces. We long for solitude because of the personal time we get to spend with the Lord in the absence of others and anything that distracts. Our desire for solitude with God flows from our love for and enjoyment of him.

From the preceding description of solitude we understand that to “be by oneself” does not constitute solitude. Instead, solitude is a deliberate retreat from others and distractions in order to spend time with God. Linda and I spend a lot of time with other people both socially and in ministry. But we both long for times of solitude with each other—when I’m there totally for her, and she for me. Our times of solitude with God are similar in that we want to be preoccupied with him and his presence with us without distraction.

In Luke 5:16 we read, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Jesus modeled the practice of solitude for us, demonstrating how vital it is for us to spend time alone with the Father. I find Jesus’ practice of solitude extremely refreshing and liberating. For if “he who knew no sin” consistently felt the need to spend time in fellowship with his Father, then surely we will find great companionship, comfort and encouragement with him!

In Ephesians 5 and 1 John 1, we read about “walking in the light as he is in the light” and to “live as children of the light.” Light dispels darkness and exposes what’s evil in our lives. In solitude, we deliberately approach God inviting him to expose in us anything harmful, evil or unholy. Therefore, one who enjoys sin shuns solitude. When we come to the Lord in solitude, we don’t leave our sins behind. They come with us. Solitude assists us in living an authentic lifestyle before God 24/7.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)

In solitude we come to him who knows all our sins, failures and blemishes and yet he freely forgives us, extends us his love, mercy and grace. In solitude, the One who could have the greatest cause to condemn us, accepts us unconditionally through Christ. His love drives out fear (1 John 4:18). In his presence we feel safe, secure and protected. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

Solitude with God also helps us center our lives relationally with others. Often, by spending time alone with God and away from others he reveals to us relational issues that we need to address. In solitude God has shown me that I’ve been short with my wife, or over-bearing with my children, or that I need to courageously challenge a friend.

Solitude is in many ways a platform for other relational graces. Solitude provides a fertile environment for prayer, worship, fasting and meditation. In solitude we walk away from all those distractions and sit at Jesus’ feet to listen to him. In solitude we come back to that “one thing that is needed” and we choose it (Luke 10:38-42).

In the past several years, God has used solitude profoundly in my life. Since I enjoy hiking already, I find hiking a great means for getting alone with God. In solitude with him he has given me breakthroughs in overcoming sin. He has revealed his Word to me where I was stuck or lacking understanding. He has blessed me with creative insights and solutions I could not have come to without his presence. And he has helped me unravel the tangle of broken relationships—my own and others’.

You may be in a season of life or in a life situation in which solitude sounds heavenly, but you seem to lack the opportunity. You may not be able to get out and hike in the mountains or stroll on the beach, but ask the Lord for times of solitude. Look for them in unusual places: sitting in heavy traffic; waiting at the doctor’s office or in the airport; at night just before bed; or in the morning before anyone else is up. Go for a walk over your lunch break or schedule a mini-retreat for a couple hours on your day off. These are all opportunities I’ve taken to enjoy solitude with God.

“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” – King David, Psalm 16:11

© Rob Fischer 2008