Are You Seeking Solitude?

I’ve (Melissa) been spending time this month in the book of Luke. It’s a beautiful account of the life of Jesus and a great place to start if digging into the Bible if the whole thing seems a bit intimidating or if you are in a place where you just feel like you need to get reconnected with God’s Word.

As I made my way through the beginning chapters, it didn’t take long before a common theme jumped out for me – once, twice, three times and more. 

Jesus intentionally sought out solitude.

At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. 
Luke 4:42

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. Luke 6:12

He made the conscious decision on repeated occasions
to be alone;
to be quiet;
to recharge;
to pray.

In the midst of His crazy, busy, hectic days. Despite the number of people making demands for His time. Solitude remained a priority.

Wow! Realizing this piece of information is really making me reflect on how I am spending my time. Am I making enough time for solitude? Is intentional time alone to be quiet, to recharge and, most importantly, to pray a priority?

Sadly, if I am completely honest with myself (and with you!) and answered that question today, I would have to say “no.” 

I don’t know about you, but I know that I can find a million reasons why solitude can’t be a priority for me right now.

Little people depend on me to feed, bathe and cloth them … every day.

Mountains of laundry pile up, dirty dishes multiply and dust bunnies are calling to be swept up … every day.

Volunteer commitments, work obligations, and don’t even get me started on the holidays approaching way too quickly!

But, as Jesus shows us, solitude is necessary. It’s necessary because it connects us closer to God. Jesus used his quiet time to grow in His relationship with God and, as a result of that time, He was more effective in His work here on earth. And intentional solitude can do the same for us. When we seek out solitude and quiet time with God, we become more effective in our day-to-day – wherever and whatever that involves.

And I want more of that.

This week, I’m inviting you to join me in intentionally seeking solitude. Whether it’s everyday or a few found moments throughout the week, the point is to get us in the habit of intentionally seeking out the time and making it a priority in our schedules. Yes, it may mean we have to “give up” something else. Yes, that may mean that something on a “to-do” list won’t get done. But the rewards – a closer relationship with God, an opportunity to recharge and be more effective in our day-to-day – are too many to count.

Will you join me? Let me know that you’re “in” by commenting below!

Heavenly Father, our hearts’ desire is to grow closer to You. This week, will You help us find ways to carve out even just a few minutes of solitude? We long to hear from You. Will you help us calm the chaos on the outside of our lives and even on the inside of ourselves so that we can hear Your voice more clearly? Will you help us use this time to not only deepen our relationship with You, but also become recharged so that we can more effectively do the work that You have laid out for us? We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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