The Value of Solitude

In 1 Kings 13, King Ahab tempts the 'man of God' to "come home with me, refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward."  If taken out of context that invitation sounds like it could be from God.  Such is the nature of temptation.  Notice all three parts seek to replace God with immediate satisfaction.  Ahab was really saying, get your comfort from my company, quench your thirst from my cistern, and receive what you deserve Now!  The man of God turned and walked away--alone.

As a 'wet-behind-the-ears' director, I attended a conference where Dr. Howard Hendricks talked about how leaders often feel lonely in their role. AT one point I looked to my left and noticed a city director many years my senior, holding his face in his hands, weeping.  Though you won't find it in ay position focus sheet, being alone is inherent in the role of leader.  Yet, as Henry Nouwen so aptly put it, "the question is whether we let our aloneness become loneliness, or whether we allow it to lead us to solitude."  It's in a the quiet places we hear the Father's voice.

Often times God leads us into isolation, because He wants to teach us, as Psalm 87 concludes, "all our streams are IN HIM."  The word stream here means a natural source, as compared to a manmade one, like a cistern.  Billy Graham says, "Satan fishes with bait; he knows exactly what will tempt you to strike the hook." Like Ahab, Satan tempts us away from solitude through many good things, like music, activities, internet-social networks, or support groups.  They are good in and of themselves, but should never replace the intimacy God wants to build through a fierce pursuit of Him. (i.e. Prayer)

Do you ever feel alone, even among friends?  If so, you're in good company.  At those times God extends an invitation to slow down, draw near and drink from the river of living waters.

When was the last time you spent more than four hours alone with HIm in one sitting?