Do you ever get to the end of a long day and all you want is to be alone for a bit?
Ok, maybe this is just exposing me as the introvert that I am, but I’m sure most of you can relate at least a little. This is especially true when you feel like you can’t catch your breath while running from task to task.
How do you find rest in the busy seasons of life? It’s in these times that what you need most is a mini-retreat, a sacred pause.
Enter the lonely place.
The lonely place is one of the best not-so-kept secrets of the ways of Jesus that I think everyone ought to try. Regardless of who you consider him to be, it’s worth exploring what Jesus has to say about rest. His teachings can offer you some amazing insights into the kind of rest that can help you flourish, even when life feels chaotic.
If you read the biographies of Jesus you’ll find short phrases about him going off to lonely places to rest and regroup. They’re tucked between stories of him preaching, healing people, feeding crowds, and performing other signs and wonders.
"Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." Luke 5:15-16
Jesus knew what it’s like to feel spread thin while meeting the needs of those around him.
As his name and miracles spread, more and more people came to see who this man was. With the popularity came more demands of his time, attention and energy.
You can imagine the kind of pressure that comes with serving so many people. It was also probably pretty physically and emotionally draining, too. Though fully divine, Jesus chose to also experience being fully human. He truly felt the toll of this kind of loving work.
Jesus understood his mission and that he needed time in the lonely place in order to do it well.
He didn’t ignore his human limits, but instead actively sought out time to be away from distractions and be with his Father.
The busyness of life can become so disorienting and make you lose sight of your priorities. Even the Son of Man was tempted to be pulled in different directions. Jesus used the lonely place to remain grounded in the truth of his identity and purpose. It became a source of energy and strength for him.
The lonely place isn’t just for Jesus.
He went there not only for his sake but to model a way of receiving refreshment that we all need.
The lonely place is an invitation to stay rooted and refreshed while responding to whatever we face in our daily lives. For many of us, it may not be look like going off alone into the wilderness, but more like taking a few minutes of silence and solitude in our room or at a park. It’s less about the place and more about the practice.
Wherever you’re at on your spiritual journey, whether a mature follower of the Way or new to exploring the faith, the lonely place has something to offer you. Why not try going there this week?
If you're looking for a way to process your wilderness season experience, I created some free journal prompts to help you find clarity. Click here to download.
Photo by Daniel Newman.
