There is a fundamental fear that many people share today. The fear: being alone. We are social creatures. We were created for community. We desire, if not need, interaction with others. No one wants to feel as if they are without the support, love, and companionship of others. I can remember times in my life when I felt completely alone. Growing up, we moved around frequently. Prior to my seventh grade year in school, I had attended thirteen different schools. I remember being the new kid in class many times. Perhaps my earliest memory of being alone was standing in front of a classroom full of students who had known each other for years while the teacher had me to stand. I can remember the haunting words, “Class, I would like to introduce you to our new student, Steven Ruff”. Alone. Lonely.

Although being alone is not the preferred choice of many, there are times when it is a good thing.  The times that we spend alone with God are both productive and beneficial. It is in our time alone with God that we are able to truly hear from our Heavenly Father. In this fast-paced world that we live in, we are often required to spend a lot of time on the phone, on the road, and even hours in front of the computer. It is extremely difficult to hear from God in the middle of that activity. We must intentionally carve out some time out of our schedules to get alone with the creator of the universe. Significant things happen get alone with God. We find this pattern throughout the Bible. Consider these:

In Exodus 1, alone with God, the Hebrew midwives risked their lives by listening to God’s command to spare all male children, one of whom was Moses.

In Lamentations, Jeremiah, alone with God, pleaded for the salvation of an entire nation.

In Nehemiah 1, alone with God, the desire to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem was birthed in Nehemiah’s heart.

In Daniel 2, alone with God, the meaning of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream was revealed.

Alone with God, in prison, Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesian church.

In Revelation, alone with God on Patmos, John received an incredible vision from Christ Himself.

Alone with God is an individual choice. It is passion we choose to pursue. It is in these times that we experience the true intimacy of our relationship with God. Alone with God, we lift our petitions to Him in with a certainty that He will hear. Alone with God, we see His Word come alive in our careful study. Alone with God, the plans and purposes He has for us are spoken to our hearts. Alone with God, we feel the conviction of sin that has grieved God’s heart. Alone with God, we feel the calm assurance that regardless of outside conditions, he has control of the inside. Alone with God, our spirits are refreshed and encouraged. I can’t think of a better place for the child of God to be.