What does the Bible say about the value of solitude?

Response

Solitude, the state of being alone, is often regarded as one of the classic spiritual practices. It is frequently linked with quietness. The concept is to be by oneself with God, to pray, to reflect on His teachings, and to simply bask in His company. Some individuals utilize solitude as a means to detach from the world’s distractions, to explore their inner selves, and to listen to God’s voice. Being alone can also serve as a period of relaxation and rejuvenation.

The Bible unquestionably upholds the importance of solitude. Psalm 46:10 declares, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Achieving stillness is much simpler in solitude. Lamentations 3:25–28 states, “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him; it is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Let him sit alone in silence when it is laid on him.”

Instances of God’s people practicing solitude are evident in the Bible. For example, Moses regularly met with the Lord at the tabernacle «And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp. », (Exodus 33:7,11) «And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. », (Exodus 33:7,11). God conversed with Elijah (1 Kings 19) and Jacob (Genesis 32:24-32) while they were alone. The ultimate example is Jesus, who“Often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” «And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed. », (Luke 5:16). Jesus, God Incarnate, spent time alone with His Father. We see Him seeking out solitude after performing miracles «And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. », (Mark 1:35), in times of grief «When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. », (Matthew 14:13), before choosing the twelve apostles (Luke 6:12-13), in His distress in Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-44), and at other times. Solitude was a consistent practice in Jesus’ life.

Jesus invited His disciples to share times of solitude (group solitude) with Him. “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).

Biblically speaking, solitude is a valuable practice. “Alone time” with God can allow God to examine us. It can be a time of knowing God more deeply, a time of strengthening, a time of refreshment, a time of sharing our deepest concerns with God, and a time of simply being with the One who formed us and loves us beyond our understanding.

Another benefit of periodic times of solitude is that such times allow us to refocus ourselves on what is truly important.

It is essential. It is beneficial, occasionally, to “withdraw”; we require time spent apart from others, apart from cell phones, apart from television programs, apart from the daily routine. We do not desire the “cares of this life” to suffocate the Word «and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. », (Mark 4:19). Instead, we aim to invest time with Jesus and, like Mary of Bethany, sit at His feet listening to His word «And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. », (Luke 10:39).

The practice of solitude, like other spiritual practices, can be taken to an unhealthy extreme. Solitude is not a dwelling place. We are not to be recluses or seclude ourselves from society. Nevertheless, to fully experience our relationship with God and to actively engage in godly community, we must have moments when we interact with God one-on-one.

The classic hymn by Helen Lemmel expresses it eloquently: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, / Look full in His wonderful face, / And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, / In the light of His glory and grace.”