Solitary Time: The Benefits
Matthew 14
KJV
23+ And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
Scriptures record times the Lord spent alone one of which you’ve just read! He knew the enormity of the task and the burden he carried hence he often took time off to be alone.
C.S. Lewis is credited with urging his readers to “ set aside time for solitary thoughts “ ( in his book Christian Behaviour), which he learnt from studying the life of Christ. And beloved, this is true and wise advice.
Contrary to what most think about being alone, as a child of God, you must set aside time to be alone to think through your life’s activities and challenges. This helps identify both problems and solutions!
Indeed, several books were written by their authors when they were in solitary confinement! Paul is one, some of his epistles were written from solitary confinement. Solitary confinement inspires, creates and generates ideas and visions.
The complex nature and the speed at which society is moving, demand that we undertake such a solitary exercise.
The Lord did this very often and so must we if we must overcome the numerous complex challenges that confront us daily; and here is how to go about it.
Find a place that is free from noise and distraction, switch off your phone and go offline. Lie down and play back events that have taken place in your life during a certain period of time.
Do this with a pen and paper by your side so you can record thoughts, ideas etc that come to mind. Ask yourself hard questions, create or imagine scenarios list down how you’ll tackle or answer such questions in real-life settings.
Before you leave to join mainstream society, prepare a roadmap to guide you when you set out to implement your thoughts.
Learn to spend time alone to develop and improve your thoughts about life and living; both spiritual and secular.
Spontaneous thoughts are fine, but the refined are the best and these come through spending time alone. As CS Lewis said, “set aside time for solitary thoughts”. Do not be afraid to be alone.
A thought to share. A word to any seeking wisdom.