Day 5: Learn To Be Alone

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

We live in a world of overstimulation. Of constant noise. Of mind-numbing inundation. This noise pokes and prods at us day and night, seeking to steal our peace with the world’s anxious agendas.

Have we ever stopped to ask ourselves why? Why the wheel never stops turning? Why the lights never shut off? Why the hum of the day only slows and never slumbers?

Could it be that we deeply fear what silence may bring? Does the thought of being alone overwhelm us with dread?

Silence and solitude make us vulnerable. To be silent, still, and alone before God is to uncover and unmask whatever muck and filth we’ve accumulated from the world and to present ourselves honestly and openly before the Lord. In that context we bring and lay down all our emotions, whether praises, celebrations, insecurities, doubts, or fears.

Solitude is the safe place, the place where we can bear our souls—naked and unashamed—and commune with the Father. In that space our desire intertwines with his, leaving us feeling more seen, known, and loved.

In solitude we also find answers.

My friend, do you need to catch your breath?

Has the never-ending noisiness of life drowned out your true self?

When you look in the mirror, do you know who stares back at you? If not, then Jesus has an invitation for you. Here’s Eugene Peterson, paraphrasing the words of Jesus: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30, MSG)

Solitude provides space for us to be vulnerable, ask questions, receive answers, and enter true rest. But only the bold—those willing to face their true selves—end up reaping the benefits of this practice. Solitude delivers a centered spirit impossible to replicate outside of the crucible of quiet.

Has noise driven you to the edge? If so, come back to Jesus. Take a real rest. Get alone with God. And allow him to blaze new trails in your soul, trails that will become springs of living water, allowing you to become who God created you to be.

Will you blaze the trail?

THE QUESTION: Are you willing to create space to be alone with God, discover your true self, and pursue the dream that resides deep within you? Write your dream on a notecard and commit to reading it every day for the next 30 days.