Short-term solitude can be valued as a time when you may work, think, or rest without being disturbed. It is desirable for the sake of privacy. Once you are in your sanctuary (see earlier blog), you really need to be alone. Not lonely, I hope, but in a private place. While we were built for being with others (together has power), we none-the-less need time by ourselves, as well.
Sure, thing David. I’ll just lock my three kids in the closet with some bread and water; or I’ll just excuse myself from the classroom and let the students learn themselves; or I’ll simply walk away from the ten appointments I have scheduled for today…all so I can be alone. Get real.
Well, please forgive me. But YOU get real. Sooner or later you are going to have to find a place (your place of refuge) and get alone and breathe. Find ten minutes or an hour and sneak away. Better yet, schedule a weekend or a week and get some help with those kids and appointments, etc. You’ll be glad you did. It’s a lot easier to listen when the door is closed…and locked.
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. – Luke 5:16
