Lonely Places

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16).

Did you ever have a quiet place you retreated to as a child? When I wanted to be alone, I climbed a tree in the backyard, and would lean on its branches, dreaming about the future I desired. Always a planner, the stillness in my yard eliminated the distractions so I could think more clearly about my life, and what I wanted to be when I grew up.

Now many years later, I sit at my lonely place, the kitchen table. It’s early in the morning before anyone else is stirring, and I once again think about my life. However, now, it’s not about what I want to do, but about what God desires of me.

There’s something about the lonely places.

Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. I believe the special time with his Father fueled Jesus so he had energy to care for the crowds who followed him. In the lonely places, he was reminded of the greatness of God, and that with him, he could fulfill his destiny.

When we retreat to the lonely places to have one-on-one time with our Father, we also have a better sense of who God is. He becomes greater than we can fathom, and he reminds us of where we were, and how far we’ve come.

Many of us can quote Psalm 46:10 by memory: “Be still, and know that I am God.” But it’s the verses afterwards that explain what we are to do with our knowledge of God. “I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

In the lonely places, we should praise and exalt God for who he is.

One day Jesus took Peter, John and James up to a lonely place to pray. Like flies on a wall, the three got a glimpse of what happened to Jesus when he was alone with the Almighty. Jesus’ entire appearance changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Moses and Elijah also appeared in their glorious splendor, and everyone at that lonely place heard the voice of God, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”

“When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone” (Luke 9:36).

There is transformation, and a word from God waiting for us in the lonely places.

This advent season consider finding a lonely place, where you can be quiet in the presence of God. Psalm 23:2 says when we allow God to lead us to quiet waters, our souls are refreshed. Do you need to be refreshed?

There’s something special about lonely places. The interesting paradox about the lonely place is that once you arrive there, you are not alone. (LBW)