There is a heavy emphasis in the Church placed on the need for fellowship. And for good reason. The Bible tells us to spend time with other believers. So we can strengthen and teach one another. That being said, we must understand the importance of balance in the life of the believer. It is important that we find the proper balance between time spent with others and time spent alone.
From what we read in the Bible we gather that Jesus spent most of His time with others. In some form of fellowship whether teaching or enjoying a meal. Yet He would still take time to be alone. He would break away from the crowds, even leaving the disciples all behind, so He could spend time by Himself in a desolate place.
Mark 1:35 (ESV)
35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
Matthew 14:23 (ESV)
23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
Luke 5:16 (ESV)
16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.
In fact, Jesus valued alone time so much that He would often sneak out. Not telling anyone where He was going. Probably because if He had then people would have tried to join Him. I would not suggest that for anyone today. But it is interesting to read about the Apostles searching for Jesus.
Mark 1:36–37 (ESV)
36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.”
Just as alone time was important to Jesus, it should also be very important in our lives. Many of us today spend the majority of our time with other people. Co-workers throughout the day, our family at night, and a little Church fellowship sprinkled in. Leaving very little time for us to be alone and actually take full advantage of it.
It is important to point out what I mean when I say alone time. As Christians, we are never truly alone. God is always with us not matter when or where. So by alone time I actually mean alone time with God.
Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Matthew 28:20 (ESV)
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
When we get alone time we must use it properly. It is not a time for binge-watching tv, scrolling through social media, or any other unfruitful activity. This time should be spent with God in prayer, worship, or just spent in the word. Each is important in our walk with God and each can only be done to the fullest when not in the presence of others.
Finding the time to pray by yourself is necessary for a multitude of reasons. As we have already seen it was something Jesus did very often. He even taught that believers should go off to pray alone. Jesus taught this because the Pharisees would often pray in public to be seen as very religious, which is no reason for us to pray. But I also believe that He said this because there are just some things that you need to say to God that you can’t say in front of other people.
Matthew 6:6 (ESV)
6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
We don’t all have the courage to dance before the Lord as David did. But that does not mean we should not still find a way to praise the Lord with all our hearts. Even if that means worshiping alone where you don’t have to worry about the eyes of others landing on you. Who knows, maybe your private worship will even spread into your public life and have an even great outcome.
Psalm 86:12 (ESV)
12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
and I will glorify your name forever.
Psalm 103:1 (ESV)
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
It can be hard to find time to sit down and really spend time in the word. But it is so important that we do. Scripture grounds us and allows us to focus on the things of God. Personally, I believe that there is no better way to read the word than when you alone. Only then will you be able to truly focus and absorb what you are reading.
Joshua 1:8 (ESV)
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
You need to spend time alone with God. So search out a way to spend a little time alone every day. Even if you need to break it up throughout your day. As you have seen, it is such an important part of the Christian life.
By taking time to be alone with your Creator, you will only see great things happen in your life. Because being purposeful about spending time with the Lord shows you are seeking first the Kingdom of God.
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Please share this article if you enjoyed it. Also, be sure that you stop by our prayer wall to pray for someone else. Or makes us aware of any need you may need to be prayed for. Thanks and God Bless!
Visit Justin’s personal website Here. Or see articles from other writers we feature Here. Also, be sure to stop by our prayer wall.