The Value of Time Alone with God

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed. – Mark 1:35 NIV

There are two reasons we find it agonizing to spend time alone: either we get bored easily, or we want to avoid the reality of where our life has ended up. I was the latter. I didn’t want to be honest with myself or with God about how confused I was or how disappointed I felt with where I had landed in life (because of my own choices). But spending intentional time alone every day proved to be the best thing that could have ever happened to me.

You Listen Better in Solitude

In the Bible, God gave visions to people while they were in quiet places of solitude: the desert, the wilderness, the hills. Paul spent time alone. Moses spent time alone.

But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray [in seclusion]. — Luke 5:16 AMP

Alone is where you receive direction, clarity, answers, wisdom, and confidence.

When was the last time you sat quietly by yourself and just thought? About life. Your future. What you really want. What you want to change. Who you need to forgive. What God is speaking to your heart.

Perhaps, like me years ago, you haven’t been still long enough to ask yourself those vital questions and — more importantly — to listen to God for answers. 

Stop Talking and Listen

I used to do all the talking when I prayed. Like many people, I told the Lord what was on my heart, pleaded for things, and then said Amen. But your dream is never revealed to you while you’re talking. You must be quiet and just listen. You’ll be amazed how loudly God speaks! As God promises in Jeremiah:

Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you great and unsearchable things. — Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

Getting away from all the distractions vying for your attention and just listening is the most challenging and rewarding thing you will ever do to discover your purpose. It is truly the greatest private habit of the most successful and fulfilled people in the world. They make time to be alone, in quiet, to listen.

• God wants to give you the healing, the wisdom, the direction you so desperately desire.

He wants to reveal His next steps for your life. He wants to whisper insights and creative concepts. But, as we see in scripture, you must get quiet and alone to listen.

Welcoming the Holy Spirit to Your Space

To do this, it is important that you designate a space in your house that brings peace to you. Make that your special place to get quiet, even if it’s a closet.

If you go into a room desiring to hear from God and that space is disorganized, junky, and cluttered, you’re likely to focus more on what needs to be cleaned up than you are on hearing from the Lord.

Imagine the Holy Spirit as a holy guest in your home. How would you want your room to look if someone you considered a holy guest were to walk in? In what condition would it need to be for you to not feel embarrassed? Create a space that welcomes the Holy Spirit and removes anything competing for your attention.

A few years ago, I was speaking at a conference in Denver, Colorado. When I walked into the speaker’s room, I gasped! I was shocked at how well my host knew my style, my taste, and my favorite everything. Everywhere I looked, she had creatively placed little displays of “Terri.”

On one table sat a gorgeous vase of blooming pink roses. Pink — my signature color. Another table was scattered with miniature Eiffel Towers and dozens of mouthwatering cupcakes piled high with pink buttercream icing. French music was playing, and some women were even wearing French couture, knowing my love of France. I was truly overwhelmed by their hospitality and the detailed preparation for my arrival. Bottom line, I felt so welcomed.

Prepare for International Time with God

You don’t have to get this creative as you prepare to spend intentional time alone with God every day. But you can create an atmosphere for your heavenly Father that causes Him to feel welcome and that is conducive for you to hear His voice. As Jesus taught,

When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then you Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. — Matthew 6:6 ESV 

Invitation for You: Ask the Lord what He is calling you to do in this season of life? Make time to be alone in the quiet and ask the Lord to help you hear His voice. Make sure you bring a journal and write down what the Lord reveals to you.

Start with Prayer: God, I want to welcome You into this time. I pray for an undivided heart, that I might know You more. Amen.

Written for Devotionals Daily by Terri Foy, author of The Alone Advantage.

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Your Turn

Do you like alone time? Or do you avoid it? Do you ask God what He wants to say to you and then actively listen? What has He been saying to you? Let’s take time today and intentionally listen to the Lord. Let’s make space for Him! ~ Devotionals Daily