Practicing Solitude (Alone-ness with God)

Richard Lineberry

Many, if not most, Christians are ruled by the tyranny of the urgent and become activity ruled. We are often asked, “What are we DOING for God?” We neglect quiet times where activity ceases and our attention becomes centered on BEING rather than DOING. It was a big shock in my life when I realized God didn’t need me, He wanted me and wanted me to spend time with Him.

All of us want to grow in our relationship with God. But growth in any relationship takes time. A friendship starts out with trivial conversation like, “Hi, how are you?” The next phase is characterized by sharing more information with our new friend like where we work, family status, etc. Gradually we feel free enough to talk about personal opinions and even sharing about our problems and weaknesses. But peak communication in a friendship takes place when in the presence of a trusted friend, little oral communication may take place at all. We are served by just being in the presence of the other person.

Most people live out their relationship with God at a “low level.” But wouldn’t it be great to experience such intimacy with God that prolonged periods in His presence would energize you for all that is happening in your life?

Jesus withdrew from people frequently to spend time with His Father. Moses was called away from the people to spend time with God. God told Ezekiel to “Get up, go out to the plain and there I will speak to you,” (Ez 3:22b). Practicing the presence of God requires discipline. It’s a matter of giving Him quiet time where we let the “daily humdrum” take a back seat to our attention while letting the Holy Spirit take charge and set the agenda of what He wants to say or do. Daily solitude may be for a few minutes or be practiced in a withdrawal for a while from everything just to hear the Lord.

Getting alone with God may seem like something radical and new for you. Although human companionship is needful, and a part of God’s plan is our fellowship with others, there must be a time to renew and “stoke the coals” of our divine connection. If we are too busy for God, then we’re just too busy!

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.
Psalm 37:7a