The Value of Distance

I woke up early this morning. Very early. So I decided to use my time wisely and, after making the perfect cup of coffee, I sat down to read (something I’ve hardly had time to do since starting a new job). Of the many options available from my library, I felt it necessary to begin with hearing God’s voice. As a counter balance to what I expect to be my preferred translation set to launch in March, 2011, the updated NIV, I turned to the ESV translation. Reading these verses from the first chapter of Mark’s Gospel reminded me of the importance of solitude as a spiritual discipline.

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he [Jesus] departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.”

What is the discipline of solitude?
Solitude is the temporary practice of spatial and relational distance from other humans and events that could potentially distract us from hearing God and being near to him.

What is the value of solitude?

• In solitude we’re not merely alone with ourselves. Instead, we’re together with God. As Jesus enters the world he is “Immanuel, (which means, God with us)” and as he leaves this world he promises “I am with you always” (Mt. 1:23; 28:20; see also Ps. 23:4; 139:7-10). Being alone with ourselves is to be valued; but as relational creatures by design (cf., Gen. 2:18), we’re never entirely alone. How could we be if God is ever-present everywhere all of the time?
• In solitude we empty ourselves of all distractions so we can be full of God’s presence and prepare for ministry. Both Paul and Jesus had a desert experience to prepare themselves for ministry (Gal. 1:15-17; Mt. 4). Consider Rom. 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him” (also, Ps. 16:11; Col. 1:9)
• In solitude we learn that we do not need others as much as we think. Instead solitude teaches us to rely on God for our deepest relational needs. Similarly, solitude gives others a chance to realize they don’t need us as much as they think. Ps. 4:8, “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”
• In solitude we have a chance to identify our fears and uncertainties and experience a unique joy and contentment, which are often eclipsed by the presence of others. “Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy” (Pr. 14:10, NIV).
• Jesus spent time in solitude:
  • To avoid misunderstanding and misguided enthusiasm (Jn 6:15)
  • To draw strength from his Father’s presence (cf., Mt. 14:23; Mk. 1:35; Lk. 4:42)
  • To discern the Father’s will (Lk 6:12-13)

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
—Jm 4:8