Solitude as a Place of Connection
“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.” Mark 1:35 NIV
“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”” Psalms 46:10 NIV
When our kids were young, Becky and I had a code that we would use when we were tired, frustrated or just needed a break. In fact I don’t know why we even needed a code, we could feel it coming on. Anyway – we’d get eye contact and one of us would say “I need some daddy or mommy time”.
That would be the signal for the one that still had gas in the tank to say “OK kids – let’s go outside!” or some other engaging activity so one of us could retreat to a quiet corner of the house and take a break.
Those blessed breaks recharged our batteries and allowed us to get back into mom, dad or spouse mode.
This week we are going to be looking at Jesus’ example of solitude, and how following it can increase our faith.
Solitude isn’t an escape—it’s an invitation to meet God.
In the stillness, we become aware of His presence and hear His voice above the clamor of life. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Solitude reminds us that identity is not built on performance but on belonging, because you are communing with Jesus through prayer and meditation.
When we regularly step aside to pray, our hearts learn to rest in the Father’s love, and we return to our family, community and work refreshed and Christ centered.
Questions to ponder: Is it better to take reactive or proactive breaks? How does your answer relate to Jesus’ example of seeking solitude?
