Alone

There is a survival competition television series called Alone where contestants are dropped in a secluded area to fend for themselves. They build their own shelters with the few tools they are allowed and the natural resources in the area. In the beginning, most enjoy the solitude, but soon it becomes more than they bargained for. The feeling of being utterly alone is often the largest hurdle for these contestants.

The word “alone” can have both positive and negative connotations. There are times when we desire to be alone to just recharge, think things through, or pray. Jesus often sought solitude so that He could pray to the Father. Luke 5:15-16 says, “But the news about Jesus spread even more, and large crowds would come together to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. Yet He often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.” Like us, Jesus may have needed some time alone to recharge after being surrounded by the crowds and demands of His ministry.

How did He recharge? Solitude and prayer! The Bible mentions several instances of Jesus seeking solitude to pray: Matthew 14:23 and Mark 1:35. The chaos of life led Jesus to time alone in prayer. In those moments that we desire to be alone, maybe what we really need is to plug in to the power of private prayer as Jesus did.

Also, there are times when we feel horribly alone because of difficult circumstances we face. In the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-46), Jesus prayed in agony before the betrayal of Judas and found himself alone because the disciples fell asleep instead of praying. Then again as He hung on the cross in Matthew 27:46, Jesus felt absolutely abandoned by God as He bore the weight of the sins of the entire world.

I’ve felt alone at times in my life, but nothing like what our Savior felt at this moment! But because Jesus suffered and died alone, we have the promise from the Father of never being alone.

Isaiah 41:10 says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.”

Psalm 46:1-2 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with its turmoil. Selah”

Jeremiah 23:24 says, “Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord.”

It doesn’t matter how terribly alone we feel or even how badly we desire to be alone, the Bible gives many reminders that God is with us. Even when you want to just physically run away from everyone and everything or need a mental/emotional break, God is there in the place you are hiding. What a comfort to know that when I am fearful, hurt, angry, regretful, or just need some time alone, God says He is there with me in that moment!