We have learned so far that there are many benefits to taking the time to be in solitude and reconnect with ourselves, with God, and with others. Well, Jesus used solitude. Let’s learn of His example.
All great people of faith took time to practice solitude. Enoch walks with God, Abraham was called to a life of solitude, Moses spent part of his life in solitude, Jesus recognized the power of solitude and became our example.
Have you ever wondered if Jesus also spent time in solitude, looking for peace, quiet, and refreshment? Do you know if there are verses in the Bible that prove that Jesus spent time alone to reconnect with His Father, with Himself, and others?
Let us take a look into Jesus’ practices regarding the time he spent in solitude:
Jesus used solitude to prepare for ministry.
In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus fasts for 40 days in the wilderness in preparation for the inauguration of His ministry. We should seek solitude to intentionally prepare ourselves to plan our short- and long-term goals in life.
Jesus used solitude to grieve when He experienced loss.
In Matthew 14:13, Jesus hears the news of John the Baptist’s death and withdraws “by boat privately to a solitary place.” We should seek solitude to recover from inevitable losses and disappointment.
Jesus used solitude to hear from God.
In Matthew 17:1-9, Jesus climbs a high mountain with three close friends, away from the crowds, and the Father speaks at the transfiguration. We should seek solitude in order to listen to God’s Spirit.
Jesus used solitude before a major challenge. In Matthew 26:36-40, Jesus goes a little farther from His closest friends to pray in the garden before He faces the cross. We should seek solitude, so we can find our quiet center and pray as a looming challenge approaches.
Jesus used solitude for renewal.
In Luke 5:16, we read: “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” This comes right after a season when crowds pressed in to hear Him and to be healed. We should seek solitude for rest, rejuvenation, and renewal.
Could you imagine if we integrated solitude as a spiritual discipline? Could you imagine the transformation that we would experience? What will happen in our families if we begin to teach them how to practice solitude?
Solitude is the secret to reconnecting
I believe that solitude should be one of our most important resolutions because solitude is the secret to reconnecting with God, ourselves, and others. Solitude is the secret to reconnecting:
- With God and hearing His voice.
- With our heart and reflecting upon our spiritual condition.
- And understanding our identity.
- With ourselves and being cleansed of a worldly mindset.
- And realigning our priorities and goals.
- And having compassion toward others.
Could you imagine if the Department of Education added developing the discipline of solitude to its curriculum? Perhaps our students and young people would learn to know themselves better and find more peace, because solitude can help us reconnect with God, with ourselves, and with others. Solitude is not a treatment for depression or suicidal thoughts, and anyone struggling with them needs the support of a professional.
We cannot reconnect with others unless we reconnect with God and with ourselves first. The reconnection we want begins with solitude. Solitude is the answer to reconnecting with others. It is time to talk about solitude as a lost discipline and bring a revival to our community.
This is what I want you to do this week
People are perishing in loneliness. It is time to transform loneliness into solitude and reconnect with God, with ourselves, and others.
Find a place
Think of a quiet, safe place where you can escape from the distraction and chaos of your life. A sacred space set apart to be with God where other voices cannot reach you, technology cannot distract, and intrusive sounds cannot interrupt.
Set a time
Make a sacred appointment. Put it on the calendar. Other responsibilities will easily push this appointment aside. Resist the call to attend to “higher priority” or “urgent” tasks.
Listen intentionally
At first, we may feel lonely, awkward, fearful, or out of control. If this practice is new to you, start small. Ten minutes is a good place to start. Experiment with what works for your everyday reality.
Solitude is the secret to reconnecting with God, yourself, and others. God bless you.
Would you like to talk with a professional? Call (407) 559-7093 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern) or find professional help here. For general questions that are not an emergency, write to drduany@zodugroup.com. Please do not send health information by email.
This article is for education only. It does not offer diagnosis or personal advice, does not replace evaluation or treatment by a health professional, and reading it or writing to us through this site does not create a therapeutic or pastoral counseling relationship. This site is not an emergency service and is not monitored continuously: do not send health information through comments or public forms. The author is a licensed psychotherapist and pastor, and is part of ZODU.
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