Some personality types find it difficult to be alone for extended periods. The bustling activities and constant social connectivity are often glorified and the idea of someone being alone is sometimes viewed negatively. Yet, for some people, solitude is an opportunity to breathe easily, to be themselves, and to focus on the things that are truly important to them. Many successful people are loners.
Time away from others whether by choice or circumstance, is an opportunity for self-discovery, reflection, spiritual growth, and rejuvenation. The unexpected blessings unveiled during such times enrich our lives in ways we did not anticipate. Some of us spend very little time alone, but Luke 15:16 of the Bible tells us that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
The following poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox expresses her perspectives on solitude:
Solitude
Laugh, and the world laughs with you;
Weep, and you weep alone;
For the sad old earth must borrow its mirth,
But has trouble enough of its own.
Sing, and the hills will answer;
Sigh, it is lost on the air;
The echoes bound to a joyful sound,
But shrink from voicing care.
Rejoice, and men will seek you;
Grieve, and they turn and go;
They want full measure of all your pleasure,
But they do not need your woe.
Be glad, and your friends are many;
Be sad, and you lose them all,—
There are none to decline your nectared wine,
But alone you must drink life’s gall.
Feast, and your halls are crowded;
Fast, and the world goes by.
Succeed and give, and it helps you live,
But no man can help you die.
There is room in the halls of pleasure
For a large and lordly train,
But one by one we must all file on
Through the narrow aisles of pain.
Downloaded 06/20/2024 from:
How Can You Benefit from Being Alone?
Engaging in Self-Reflection
One of the primary blessings of being alone is the opportunity for deep self-reflection. In quiet solitude, away from the distractions of daily life, we can introspectively examine our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. This will increase our self-awareness and allow us to clarify our goals, values, and aspirations. It can also be a catalyst for personal growth and fulfillment.
Finding Inner Peace and Strength
Being alone offers a sanctuary from the noise and demands of life, allowing us to cultivate inner peace. In the stillness of solitude, we can escape external pressures and responsibilities for a while and nurture a sense of calm within ourselves. This inner peace becomes a source of resilience, enabling us to face life’s challenges with grace and composure.
Strengthening Your Relationship with God
For many, being alone is a cherished time for deepening their spiritual connection. Whether through prayer, meditation, or contemplation, solitary moments provide a direct line to connect with God and your inner spiritual being. This communion fosters spiritual growth, insight, a sense of purpose, and belonging.
Developing Your Creativity
Being alone is fertile ground for creativity and innovation. Away from external influences, our minds are free to wander, explore new ideas, and unearth new ideas. Artists, writers, thinkers, and innovators throughout history have often sought solitude to tap into their creative genius and produce their most inspired work.
Finding Joy in Simple Pleasures
In being alone, we rediscover the joy of simple pleasures often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether by savoring a quiet cup of coffee, taking a leisurely walk in nature, or indulging in a favorite hobby, solitary moments allow us to appreciate the beauty and richness of life’s small, meaningful moments. Being around others can cause us to lose sight of what we enjoy as we are influenced by their likes and dislikes.
Nurturing Genuine Relationships
Being alone can enhance our relationships with others. By fostering a deeper understanding and acceptance of ourselves, we become more genuine in our interactions with loved ones. It teaches us to cherish and cultivate meaningful relationships that bring mutual joy and fulfillment.
Allowing You to Get a Clear Perspective on Toxic Relationships
Being alone can allow us to gain a clearer perspective of toxic people in our lives and the effect they have on us. It allows us the space to make decisions and set boundaries to no longer tolerate abuses. We can realize that we do not need to be around such persons. Constantly having them around can offer them the opportunity to manipulate us further.
Spending Time Alone with the Lord
Jesus often spent alone time with the Father, and it must have been the most comforting time for him. If Jesus needed alone time with the Father, do you think we need alone time with our Lord? Shouldn’t being alone with Him be the most desirable and peaceful time of our day? And if we are to love the Lord with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength, shouldn’t we desire to be alone with him? Does Satan keep us busy with worldly thoughts and tasks to keep us from being alone with the Lord?
How can we develop the desire to be alone with the Lord? First, we can set aside daily time alone with Him, and then develop the discipline to do so each day. Our alone time with the Lord is allotted for just the Lord and us. In this alone time, we should praise the Lord, thank the Lord, meditate on the Lord, seek his help, read the Word, unload our fears and hurts, and lay everything at his feet. Whatever is in your heart give it to the Lord. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13) This verse means we focus on the Lord and abandon worldly, distracting thoughts. We devote our entire hearts and thoughts to our connection to the Lord. This may be difficult to attain, but with time and prayer, it is achievable and will allow us to escape the world and move into the Kingdom. “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10) With our hearts focused on God, exalting Him in praise, we become still inside and reap love and peace. Our fears and worries disappear. The Lord brings comfort and rest to our souls like nothing else can. The more we meditate on the Lord and his Word, the more love, peace, and joy we will retain in our souls.
Take time to be alone with the Lord. Allow time for just you and Him. Find a quiet place where there will be no interruptions. Jesus used to go to the mountains to find a lonely place to be with the Father. The more we are alone with the Lord, the more powerful the experience. Sitting by a river, or a quiet beach area, or even in my garden reflecting and talking to God is a time I enjoy. There is nothing but God and me with the beauty and wonder of nature. Come near to God and he will come near to you. (James 4:8)
We spend alone time with the Lord to be closer to Him and trust Him more. The love, peace, and joy from our alone time with the Lord will stay with us as we go through our days. The driving force of our Christian lives is to know the Lord and our alone time with Him is needed to develop a close, intimate relationship with Him.
Today, schedule alone time with the Lord and seek Him with all your heart. Give all your thoughts, concerns, and fears to the Lord, but most of all your praise. He has told us to cast all our cares upon Him. Meditate on Him and His Word. Make the time you spend with the Lord the highlight of your day.
Let us pray: Lord, help me to seek you with all my heart, and to make it a priority in my heart to be alone with you each day. Thank you for always being there for me and helping me to serve you. Help me not to let anything in this world keep me from putting you first in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.