Alone Time

David wrote about waiting for God alone and in silence. He spoke of God as his rock and his salvation. David was putting his trust and confidence in God alone. He warned against placing our trust and confidence in riches gained from robbery and extortion. “Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God” (Psalm 62:11). David spent a lot of his life on his own and this time carved out intimacy with God. He spent time in song writing and praise unto God, as he kept his father’s sheep. David also spent other times alone with God, when he ran away from Saul.

Another bible prophet who spent a lot of time alone with God, on Mount Sinai, was Moses. There were occasions after he had been in the presence of God, when his countenance changed. “When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him” (Exodus 34:30). After Moses met with God, he would put a veil over his face when he met with the people. The veil came off again when he went back to speak with God. Imagine spending so much time with God that your face glows.

Jesus also spoke often about being alone in times of prayer with God. He was alone in the wilderness for forty days and nights, in fasting and prayer. “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16). He was often thronged by large crowds and he had disciples that were with him throughout his life. Despite the constant pull of other people, Jesus understood the importance of alone time.

The presence of the Lord brings illumination and transformation. Many people are afraid or uncomfortable about spending time alone. Most people dread loneliness and isolation, yet so many people are alone. Having a relationship with God means that you are never alone. We have a need for human contact and healthy relationships that are well balanced. Yet, God wants us to spend time alone with him, in his presence in order to communicate with us. Relationships are born and maintained through intimacy. God wants our alone time and he will reveal his secrets to those who find the time to be with him.

A.P.-Y.