But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Luke 5:16 NIVUK

One of the toughest things this year has been keeping myself away from other people. It’s been necessary to avoid infection when my immune system has been so low due to treatment. I currently find myself stuck in a very sterile room in hospital room on my own and I’m finding it a very weird experience.

I’m an introvert by nature, so you’d think I’d be OK in my own company and in many ways I am. But I really do value being round other people and miss the connection with everyone.

To whatever degree, we all need other people. I believe we we’re made that way, made to have communion with one another. So when this is taken away it’s difficult.

But in truth we are never alone, we always have God with us. He can and does comfort us in our darkest hours, he lifts our spirits and gives us joy where there is none and is our hope when all else seems hopeless. Not only is this more than enough, but Jesus also shows us the value of isolation with God.

Not only in times of distress…
He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’ An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
Luke 22:41‭-‬44 NIVUK

When important decisions are being made…
One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:
Luke 6:12‭-‬13 NIVUK

But also just as a good regular habit…
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke 5:16 NIVUK

Time in isolation with God is not time alone, its time with the endless resources of his love, wisdom and comfort. It’s time alone with a God who gave everything so we could spend such time with him.

Although I’m forced into isolation right now, this is a good habit to get into, to dedicate intentional times of isolation alone with God.