Dericka Canada Cunningham, GBW Founder
September 20, 2021
This Week's Anchor
“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'”
Mark 6: 30-32 (NIV)
I don’t know about you, but I’m one of those awkward individuals who lives at the interesting intersection of introversion and extroversion. I’m introverted at my core, but life, society, and my career have forced extroversion on me in ways that make me pretty good at performing it when needed. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy company and genuinely love connecting with others, but over the years I’ve realized that as a person who leans more strongly towards introversion, I need quiet and solitude to refuel my energy. Jesus seemed like one of these individuals too.
Mark chapter 6 gives an account of one of the most memorable miracles that Jesus performed—when He feeds a large community of 5,000 with just five loaves of bread and two fish. Prior to this miracle, Jesus realizes that in the hustle and bustle of accompanying Him, the apostles’ basic needs had been neglected. So, Jesus instructs them to come with Him alone to a quiet place and rest. In this story, the apostles and Jesus never quite make it to this moment of solitude due to the crowds of people wanting to gather around Jesus. However, Jesus’ words stay with us as inspiration for our need for rest in solitude.
There are countless moments in the Bible where we see Jesus turn to quiet Himself, or like in this chapter of Mark, at the least encourage it. One writer outlines these moments, highlighting the many reasons why Jesus chose and encouraged solitude in the time that He dwelled with us on Earth [Ward Cushman, To Every Nation, 2015].
Reasons Jesus Chose Solitude & Moments We Can Choose It Too
To prepare for an important task [Luke 4: 1-2]
To recharge after hard work [Mark 6: 30-32]
To work through grief [Matthew 14: 13]
Before making an important decision [Luke 6: 12-13]
In times of distress [Luke 22: 39- 44]
To focus on prayer [Luke 5: 16]
Sometimes we choose solitude, and other times solitude chooses us. Those moments when we are called into seasons of solitude, we can rest assured knowing that if solitude was useful for Jesus, it can be equally meaningful for us. Some might read this devotion and think, but what happens when we have too much alone time? Well, let’s clarify that there is a difference between isolation and solitude. Understanding this difference can help us know when we are taking space that is helpful versus harmful. Isolation is often a reactive state influenced by our life experiences and/or by the actions of others/the world around us. When we are isolated, we are left feeling drained, depressed, lonely, rejected, and ashamed. However, when we enter a space of solitude, we do so with intention and purpose. Unlike isolation, when we choose solitude, we gain and experience rest, peace, clarity, creativity, direction, renewal, meaning, inspiration, and Divine wisdom, and we are better prepared to continue in our calling.
God doesn’t want us isolated, but He values solitude and rest, and we can find value in it too. When we take moments to step away from our busy lives to be present with the Holy Trinity, what we gain outweighs the time and the tasks that we sacrifice. So, if you find yourself called into solitude this week, as opposed to fighting it, embrace and tap into the Divine power of aloneness with God.
Reflection
What is resonating for you about this scripture and/or this devotion?
Do you find it difficult to spend time in solitude? If so, why? If not, what makes it easy for you?
What can you gain from moments of solitude?
What intention(s) do you want to set to connect and/or reconnect with being grounded this week?
Related Scriptures to Ground You Through this Week
Psalm 46: 10
Lamentations 3: 25-28
Luke 5: 16
Matthew 6: 6
Matthew 11: 28-30
John 14: 27
John 16: 33
Isaiah 40: 31
My Through-the-Week Reflection Guide
A Song of Inspiration
Quote of Love & Liberation
"Learn to be quiet enough to hear the genuine within yourself
so that you can hear it in others."
Marian Wright Edelman
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