Recently, I took a walk through the woods behind our home. The outdoor temperature was above the freezing mark, so I expected to see other eager souls outside embracing the fresh air. But, the trail was abnormally empty and quiet, except for a few squirrels playing tag and a distant conversation echoing between two owls.
As my boots plowed a trail through the freshly fallen snow, the true solitude of the moment struck me. I often go for walks alone, but I usually greet other people on the path. Finding solitude at home is also challenging because of habits and chores. Things like social media, my cell phone, television, music, and to-do lists swiftly distract me from time alone.
How solitude helps us hear from God
The solitude in the woods that day was different. I’ve experienced it before. I hope you have too. It’s a good kind of aloneness which heightens awareness of our surroundings and helps us become increasingly present. Feelings of appreciation, clarity, and peace well up inside us. In this kind of solitude, we are able to give God our complete attention and perhaps “hear” something he has to say.
For most of us, hearing from God does not mean listening to his actual audible voice. In the spiritual discipline of solitude, God speaks quietly to our souls. For instance, he may draw our attention to a Bible promise, the words of a worship song, a minister’s message, or a friend’s needs. He nudges our hearts to pray in certain ways, to accept some circumstances, to take action in others, and to simply rest.
Jesus’ time alone with God
My walk in the woods led me to wonder about the times Jesus practiced solitude. When did he spend time alone with his Father? How can I learn from his example? I researched the Gospels to learn about the many times he withdrew from people and the worldly pressures around him. Through the Scriptures where he purposefully seeks solitude with God, he models important life lessons.
What Jesus’ solitude teaches:
Solitude Demonstrates Priorities
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Mark 1:35-37
Time alone with God was clearly very important to Jesus because he made it a priority on his busy schedule. This Scripture depicts Simon and the others as being exasperated when they find him. Their words convey a sense of urgency. But, Jesus’ example tells us to vigilantly protect our time alone with God. Worthwhile causes awaited his help, yet Jesus did not let them dictate his schedule.
His actions speak louder than words to remind us the most important task we have is to grow closer to God.
Solitude with God requires schedule adjustments, possibly uncomfortable ones, but making this time a priority demonstrates we are committed to a relationship with him.
Solitude Delivers Strength
Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:15-16 NIV
During the time of Jesus’ ministry, he was constantly surrounded by people who wanted to hear him preach and receive healing. Despite the demands placed on him, Jesus took time away in quiet places to be with God and pray.
We, too, have people and responsibilities in our lives which keep us busy, create stress, and wear us out. Like Jesus, if we intentionally step away from our daily pressures to be alone and to pray, then God, our Father, will infuse us with the strength only he can provide for the work he assigns.
Solitude Guides Decision Making
One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Luke 6:12-14 NIV
Jesus sought solitude before selecting the twelve disciples who served as his closest companions and helped him spread the gospel message. Obviously, this decision was significant, so Jesus prayed for his selection to be aligned with God’s will.
We, too, can use the spiritual discipline of solitude before determining next steps in life. Alone time with God spurs creativity, grants wisdom from experiences, teaches us from the Bible, instills courage, and conveys other necessary knowledge for making sound decisions.
Solitude Brings Rest
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. Mark 6:31-32 NIV
Jesus knew how exhausting it was for the disciples to do God’s work. In this Scripture, he encourages them to rest and refresh themselves with some solitude (in fellowship) for the tasks at hand.
Jesus’ own life served as an example for the disciples to learn the importance of frequent resting in calm, undisturbed places. As his followers, they continually observed the results in Jesus’ speech, demeanor, and purpose.
Rest helps our bodies feel better physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Like Jesus, our rest in solitude can strengthen us to handle stressful situations with deliberate patience and compassion.
Solitude Provides Peace
So John was beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. Later, John’s disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened. As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. Matthew 14:10-13a NLT
And
He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. Luke 22:41-43 NLT
These two examples show Jesus using solitude to gather peace. In the first Scripture, Jesus’ friend, John the Baptist, is killed. Jesus seeks solitude to receive comfort from grief. In the second example, Jesus prays alone before his arrest and crucifixion. He knew he was about to endure incredible agony, but in solitude with God he reconfirmed his willingness to die for the world’s sins.
The solitude Jesus purposefully pursued with his Father, especially in times of great distress, brought him the peace he needed to continue his mission. We, too, can take our deep sorrows and honest anguish to God. He will meet us in quiet places with his everlasting peace.
A Prayer for Solitude:
Dear God,
Thank you for reminding me to seek your presence in quiet, solitary places. This world is busy, noisy, and relentless. Distractions and demands make focusing on your messages difficult. But, when I prioritize our time together, you help me see your blessings and directions more clearly.
Through solitude and prayer, I can find strength to face both the known and unknown trials of today. You share wisdom to guide my decisions and help me process life.
Alone with you, I can rest without worry because you are always in control of everything I face. Solitude reminds me to be still and to absorb your peace. Your peace is strong and at the ready; it offers my soul protection against its deepest concerns.
May each blessing of solitude I discover increase my thanks for the life of your Son, Jesus, who teaches me through his example the great benefits of abiding faith.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen
But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:6 NLT
Press on in faith my friends! ~Jamie
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Related Posts:
Learning about God through Nature
Be Still and Know that I am God
Connecting with the Holy Spirit
Prayer walking in the wilderness
Walking at a Dog-determined Pace
Inspiring Resources:
8 Steps to Meeting God in Silence and Solitude–crosswalk.com
How to Practice Solitude–thenivbible.com
Take a Break from the Chaos–desiringgod.org
Jesus’ Solitude and Silence–soulshepherding.org
What does the Bible say about the value of solitude–gotquestions.org
Jamie, I was recently remembering some walks I took as a child in the woods, enjoying the solitude and stillness before God. In this noisy, hurried world, it is a great gift to find yourself where you can only hear the sound of His creation. It is a wonderful way to hear His voice, as well. I love the examples of how we hear God’s voice in these places. I really appreciate the verses and teaching provided regarding Jesus’ habits of solitude and how much we can learn from this. Beautiful photos, beautiful teaching!
Hi Melissa! As a child, I spent my summer days finding “secret” hideouts in the woods. I think it’s one of the reasons I still love solitude in nature so much. I agree wholeheartedly—creation is such a “great gift and a wonderful way to hear His voice.” Thank you for your comments and encouraging words! Blessings to you!