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Answer
All relationships require time to develop. A relationship with God, although distinct from other relationships in many aspects, still abides by the principles of human relationships. The Bible contains analogies to aid us in understanding our relationship with God. For instance, Christ is likened to the bridegroom, and the Church is likened to the bride. Marriage signifies two individuals uniting their lives as one “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”, (Genesis 2:24). This level of intimacy necessitates spending quality time alone with each other. Another analogy is that of a father and child. Strong parent-child bonds often involve exclusive “one-on-one” time. Spending solitary moments with a loved one offers the opportunity to truly understand that person. Spending time alone with God follows a similar principle. When we are in solitude with God, we draw nearer to Him and perceive Him in a unique manner compared to group settings.
God desires personal, intimate moments with us. He seeks a close relationship with each of us. He intricately formed us as individuals, crafting us in the womb “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.”, (Psalm 139:13). God is aware of the minutest details of our lives, even knowing the exact number of hairs on our heads “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”, (Luke 12:7). He recognizes each sparrow individually.
, and “you are worth more than many sparrows” «Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. », (Matthew 10:29,31) «Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. », (Matthew 10:29,31). He invites us to come to Him and know Him (Isaiah 1:18; Revelation 22:17; Song of Solomon 4:8). When we desire to know God intimately, we will seek Him early «O God, thou art My God; early will I seek thee: My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee In a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; », (Psalm 63:1) and spend time with Him. We will be like Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to His voice «And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. », (Luke 10:39). We will hunger and thirst for righteousness, and we will be filled « Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. », (Matthew 5:6).
Perhaps the best reason for us to spend time alone with God is to follow biblical examples. In the Old Testament, we see God call prophets to come to Him alone. Moses met with God alone at the burning bush and then on Mt. Sinai. David, whose many psalms reflect a confident familiarity with God, communed with Him while on the run from Saul (Psalm 57). God’s presence passed by as Elijah was in the cave. In the New Testament, Jesus spent time alone with God (Matthew 6:6a). Jesus instructed us to pray to God alone at times: “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen” «But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. » (Matthew 14:13; Mark 1:35; Mark 6:45-46; Mark 14:32-34; Luke 4:42; Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12; Luke 9:18; John 6:15).
To rely on Jesus as our vine (John 15:1-8), we need to be directly and intimately connected to Him. Just as a branch is linked directly to the vine and, through the vine, connected to other branches, we are linked directly to Christ and share in a community. Spending time alone with God and in corporate worship provides the best nourishment. Without time alone with God, our needs will remain unmet, and we will not truly experience the abundant life He offers.
Spending time alone with God clears our minds of distractions, allowing us to focus on Him and hear His Word. By abiding in Him, we embrace the intimacy to which He calls us and come to truly know Him.
