Seeking Solitude
Luke 5:16 (NASB)
But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.
The artist Pablo Picasso once said, “Without great solitude no serious work can be done.” We don’t often think of grieving as work but I have found that it is serious work indeed. My grief requires work. Without serious work, progress can’t be made. Burying, avoiding, and denying are strategies that many people use to manage their grief but I believe that it is in the hard work that progress can be made. This may mean confronting difficult questions and walking into the unknown. In the previous devotion, I discussed the power of surrounding yourself with support but I also believe that grief also requires balance. Taking time in solitude can also be a powerful tool in confronting our pain.
It is important to point out the differences between solitude and isolation. Isolation is associated with loneliness. It is marked by a feeling that something is missing. Isolation is a negative state. Solitude on the other hand is a positive state. It is a time set apart for reflection and inward searching. Solitude is enjoying the quiet and giving ourselves a chance to regain perspective away from the noise.
There has been research on the benefits associated with having times of solitude. According to an article on Forbes.com, “Studies show the ability to tolerate alone time has been linked to increased happiness, better life satisfaction, and improved stress management. People who enjoy alone time experience less depression.”
Long before modern scientific research told us about the scientific benefits of solitude, Jesus modeled that for us in how he lived out his life. He regularly departed from the crowds for times of solitude. What was the purpose of these moments? It was not isolation but rather connection. Our times of solitude should draw us nearer to God.
My moments of solitude have been the most valuable in my times of overwhelming darkness. Only when I removed myself from the noise and distractions could I hear God’s whispers. These moments have taken place indoors and outdoors but I prefer outdoor places. In these moments of solitude you are never alone. God is always with you. I have used these moments to learn more about who God is and by knowing Him better I can better understand my own suffering. Standing in God’s creation also provides you perspective. It helps you to remember you are part of a much larger story. I have spots that remind me of my son and they are my favorite spots to seek solitude. Standing alone in an open field by a large oak tree or hiking on a trail each provides me with the opportunity to focus on the work that is set before me.
Grief is serious work. Make time for taking time. Time to question. Time to be honest. Time to be angry. Time to read. Time to pray. Time to be still. Time to walk away from the distractions. Time to walk into the silence. Time to lean on God. Time to seek out who God is. Time to seek out what God wants you to do with this suffering. Time to speak to Him. Time to listen. Time to face reality. Time to seek truth. Time to weep. Time to praise. Time to remember. Time to look ahead. Time to heal.
