Although being alone is not the preferred choice of many, there are times when it is an absolute necessity. We live in a fast-paced world. Often, our jobs require us to spend much time on the phone, attending meetings, sitting in front of a computer, and traveling. Often, our family responsibilities require us to attend school functions and sporting events and spend many hours helping with homework. Getting so wrapped up in our church responsibilities is even possible that we miss the One we’re serving. It is tough to hear from God during all this activity. We must intentionally carve time out of our schedules and get alone with the Creator of the universe. Significant things happen when we get alone with God. We find this modeled for us in Scripture.

There is a common fear shared by many today. That fear – being alone. We are social creatures. We desire, if not crave, interaction with others. This fear is why social media is dominant in our world today. No one wants to feel as if they are without the support, love, and the companionship of others. I can remember times in my life when I felt all alone. Growing up, we moved around frequently. Before the seventh grade, I had attended 13 different schools. I was always the new kid in class. My earliest memory of being alone was standing in front of a classroom full of students who had known each other for years, as the teacher had me stand at the front of the class. I remember hearing that very familiar statement, “Class, I would like to introduce you to our new student.” All alone.

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 burden of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was born 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 letters to the churches at Ephesus, Philippi, and Colossae, encouraging them to hold fast to Jesus Christ despite all opposition.

 In the Garden of Gethsemane, alone with God, Jesus prayed the cup of suffering would pass if it were the Father’s will. It was not. Jesus went to the cross and died for the sins of man.

In Revelation, alone with God on the island of Patmos, John received a vivid and terrifying vision from Christ Himself detailing the execution of God’s judgment.

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