Have you heard of or seen the History Channel's show called "Alone?" In the show, ten hardcore survivalists are dropped in an isolated region with one objective. Stay alive and outlast the other nine people. They are allowed to bring 10 items with them. Everything else they need to survive is up to them to find, create and build in the wild. This includes finding food and water. The person who manages to last the longest gets half-a-million dollars.
They face dangers such as predators and unpredictable, harsh weather. But one of the biggest challenges they must overcome is being ALONE. You see, they are separated from one another so they don't know when someone else taps out and who is left in the competition. There are no camera crews and the contestants use cameras to self-document their experience.
It is not easy being alone, is it? Especially not with our own thoughts for an extended period of time. And so we surround ourselves with noise. The noise of others talking. The noise of the TV playing in the background. The noise of the music streaming through our earbuds. The noise of our cell phone. The noise of social media. The noise of texting. Anything to keep from being alone.
When was the last time you were alone? I mean really alone? No noise. No distractions. No one else around. No technology in your hand.
It's important to make time to be alone. Why?
Alone is where you'll be able to connect with God. Jesus was a great example of this. He often went alone to connect with His Father.
"Very early in the morning, while it was still
dark, Jesus withdrew to a solitary place to be ALONE with God and pray." Mark 1:35
When you slip away to a quiet place...alone...you will find a Heavenly Father who is waiting to spend time with you.
Alone is where you'll be able to hear the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit.
Remember Elijah?
Alone is where you'll find time to think. When you are alone, you have the ability to self-evaluate...plan...
dream...contemplate...meditate.
Alone is where your faith will grow deeper and stronger. It was in a prison cell that Joseph's faith and trust in God was strengthened.
Alone is where God prepares you for His calling on your life. It was alone in the desert where Moses was prepared to led the children of Israel out of Egypt. Paul spent 3 years alone preparing for the ministry God had for him.
Alone is where you can ask the hard questions. Jonah was alone when he asked God the hard questions and wrestled with what he considered was an injustice. We all have times when we don't understand the "why" of what God is doing. When we are alone, we can bring those questions and struggles to God.
Alone is where you'll find rest. Jesus says this to us.
"Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark 6: 31
Alone is where your prayers will be answered and you'll discover God's blessings. Here's what God has promised.
"But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:6
Remember...time spend alone with God is never time wasted.
