Seeking Solitude
In a world that never stops moving, solitude can feel like a luxury - or even a foreign concept. We wake up to alerts and alarms, rush into another day, juggling countless responsibilities, leading us to fall asleep exhausted, only to repeat the cycle in the morning. But what if the rest our souls long for isn’t found in doing more, but in stepping away - even for just 60 seconds - to be alone with God?
Jesus himself modeled this rhythm of retreat. Luke 5:16 reads “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed”. If the Son of God needed solitude to connect with the Father, how much more do we?
Solitude matters. It is not just about escaping life - it’s about anchoring yourself in the One who gives life. It’s in the quiet moments that we hear the gentle whisper of God’s voice. “And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.” 1 Kings 19:12 . You may not be experiencing earthquakes and fires every day (I certainly hope not). But doesn’t all the traffic you face during your daily commute consume your thoughts and maybe take advantage of your tongue? What about that one coworker who has a little too much pride in themselves? One more email from them and you’ll lose it. Then you get home from work and the house is a mess, babies are crying, dogs are being crazy (because aren’t they always when you’re on the brink of losing it). I don’t know about you, but that would be my fire and earthquake. It usually takes a fire and earthquake day for me to finally surrender my desire of control and admit that I need intimate time with Jesus - better known as solitude. Time alone with Jesus is where clarity is birthed, healing begins, and peace floods in.
Don’t be like me in thinking you need a fire and earthquake day to find solitude with Jesus. You also don’t need to hide from your life in your bathroom closet or go sit in your car alone. Seeking solitude doesn’t mean escaping your life. It means prioritizing your time to get grounded for all the day will bring.
It could be waking up 15-minutes earlier to sit with your Bible and a cup of coffee with Brandon Lake playing in the background. Brandon Lake’s album is much more peace-inducing than Fox News (take it from me). It also may look like turning off your phone during a lunch break and taking a walk with God. Or maybe it’s carving out time on the weekend to journal, pray, and just BE STILL (Psalm 46:10). Stillness isn't passive - it is an active surrender. A sacred pause where we remember who He is and who we are in Him.
I am a mother, a wife, an employee (on several counts), a clean freak, a do-it-myselfer, and so so much more. I used to (and maybe sometimes still do) feel like solitude is impossible for me in this season of life. Raising kids, caring for others, cleaning house, working long hours, you name it. But seasons change much faster and easier than habits do. God honors even the smallest offerings of our time. It is not your place to underestimate the power of five minutes with Him. He’s not waiting for perfect conditions - He is simply waiting for you!
Friend, your soul was not made to run on E. Seeking solitude is not selfish — it is spiritual obedience. It is saying “God, I need You more than I need anything else right now”. In a world that glorifies hustle, solitude is a radical act of trust. So, let’s follow the example Jesus sets for us — let’s not withdraw to hide but to be found again, in the arms of the Father.
Some things to ask yourself:
When was the last time you intentionally sought solitude with God?
What is one small way you can create space for quiet time this week? (maybe that is stopping the scroll of social media).
How do you notice God speaking differently when the noise subsides?
As always, remember HOW MUCH MORE you are loved! By Jesus (and me).
Annah Cobb.
