We were made for relationships. We need people, which is why the fear of being alone ranks so high in society. Some combat aloneness with constant noise. A TV or radio always on in the background. 

God doesn’t want us to be alone or lonely. That is why he has charged his church with taking care of widows, orphans, and foreigners—those most likely to be alone. But the command stretches out to anyone in need of companionship.

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But while God doesn’t want us to be lonely, he does show—through Jesus—the importance of solitude. Of finding a place of peace and quiet and aloneness where the only other person is God. 

People can exhaust us. God restores us. People demand of us. God gives. Jesus knew this and often stole away from even his disciples to be alone with his father. 

And this is an opportunity we should relish and run to. As Andrew Murray once said, “Oh, the thought to have God all alone to myself, and to know that God has me all alone to Himself!”

This reflection on aloneness on solitude brought three old hymns to mind. 

The first two—“Sweet Hour of Prayer” and “In the Garden” remind us of the privilege our alone time with God is and the power and peace it provides.

The third — “No Never Alone” reminds  us that even when we think we are all alone, we are not. God never abandons us. He is always with us.

I hope you enjoy them and they bring peace to your soul.