Solitude
Luke 5:15-16 NIV says, "Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."
In a world filled with the worship of people, we see the idols of popularity, fame, and fortune all around us. We see men and women lifted up in worship status who are nothing more than flesh. Lonely places are avoided and the spotlight is exalted. Even as believers, we can fall into the trap of wanting to be with the crowd, wanting to have the spotlight, having big results for our own resume, or following someone that the world says matters. However, these two small verses (above) give us the key to real living in Christ.
Jesus was someone who people were crowding around for all different reasons. Most wanted something from him. Some were curious about his power. Others were skeptical and intent on proving Him false and still some truly followed. Jesus knew people's hearts and knew their motives. He loved all the people in the crowd whether their motives were selfish or seeking. He also gives us the key here to dealing with crowds. We must take time to go to lonely places and follow Jesus' example.
What did Jesus do?
Jesus withdrew. That means getting away from noise, routine, and crowd to listen to God. This takes intentionality and it takes discipline. The motive is to be with God apart from the chaos of the crowd in our life. This is our alone time to pray and get direction from God. It is a time for honesty before God with the purpose of hearing His heart. It is not about the amount of time; it is about our desire for God.
When did Jesus withdraw?
Jesus withdrew often. If my Lord withdrew often, that is significant for me to withdraw as well don't you think!?
Where did Jesus withdraw?
Jesus withdrew to lonely places. I am a people person. That means I like crowds. I like watching people, studying people, and being with people. Even as a little child, I wanted to be in the center of the action. Time alone in my room was the worst possible discipline that could be meted out to me. As an adult and as a believer, I have had to apply discipline to learn the value of a lonely place. Moving six times has helped in this process. I have grown to see that loneliness is an opportunity to cling to God, hear from God, and spend time enjoying His presence. I have come to value time alone with God to be convicted, cleansed, and refreshed. This is what I must have to continue to minister in the crowd of life.
Why did Jesus withdraw?
He withdrew to pray and seek His Father. He withdrew to be still and listen. He withdrew to hear God's voice.
Real Life Action Steps:
1. Buy a journal and write in it. Even if you just write down a few insights after reading a number of verses or write out your prayer burdens to God, this will make a difference in your walk with God. With a life filled with demands and chaos, journaling has revolutionized my time with God more than any other practice.
2. Ask God to give you a desire for meaningful time with Him. Not just another quiet time to check off the to-do list. Beg God for a hunger and thirst for righteousness for no other motive than to know God deeper.
3. Try the old fashion method of just taking a Bible and heading to a quiet place. Leave all other resources and just ask God to speak to you from His word. Start somewhere with a few verses and ask God to personalize them.
Prayer: "God remind me how much I need lonely places to seek You and You alone. Give me a hunger and thirst for time with You. Let me find perspective on the crowd with You. Convict, cleanse, and consume me Oh Lord!"
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