Be Prepared and Focused: Ensure You Have Alone Time with God

The demands of life can often pull us in many directions, leaving little time for reflection, prayer, or spiritual renewal. Yet Scripture calls us to cultivate a private, focused relationship with God. Time spent alone with Him is not only essential for spiritual growth but also prepares and equips us to face life's challenges with faith and clarity.

Jesus Himself modeled the importance of withdrawing from the noise to commune with the Father. Let us explore the biblical foundation for spending alone time with God and how it sharpens our focus and readiness for the journey of faith. 

1. Alone Time with God: A Command and a Promise

"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, ESV)

Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:6 emphasizes the need for private, focused prayer. Unlike the public displays of piety criticized in the same passage, this time of solitude fosters intimacy with God. It is in these moments that we open our hearts fully, free from distractions or the need to perform for others.

The promise that "your Father who sees in secret will reward you" reminds us that God values our sincerity and devotion over outward appearances. This reward is not material but the joy and peace of a deeper relationship with Him.

John Calvin noted the transformative power of private prayer: "The principal work of prayer is not so much to make God willing to bless us, but to make us willing to accept His blessings."

• John Calvin (1509–1564) was a French theologian and a leader of the Protestant Reformation. His writings, particularly Institutes of the Christian Religion, emphasize the necessity of prayer as a means of aligning our will with God's.

By setting aside time for private communion with God, we prepare our hearts to receive His guidance and strength. 

2. Following the Example of Jesus

"But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray." (Luke 5:16, ESV)

Jesus, the Son of God, frequently withdrew from crowds to spend time in prayer. Despite His demanding ministry, He prioritized solitude with the Father, often retreating to desolate places. This example underscores the importance of regular, intentional alone time with God, even amid the busiest seasons of life.

In Mark 1:35, we read, "And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed." Jesus' commitment to prayer in solitude reminds us that spiritual preparation requires focus and discipline.

A.W. Tozer reflected on the necessity of this solitude: "It is impossible to keep our spiritual life steady if we do not set aside quiet time to be with God."

• A.W. Tozer (1897–1963) was a pastor and theologian known for his writings, including The Pursuit of God, which emphasize the need for personal devotion and communion with God.

Like Jesus, we must prioritize alone time with God, allowing Him to renew and prepare us for the work ahead. 

3. The Power of Solitude in Spiritual Preparation

"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10, ESV)

In a world filled with noise and distractions, solitude is a powerful tool for spiritual preparation. Being still before God allows us to hear His voice, reflect on His Word, and align our hearts with His purposes. This stillness is not idleness but an active trust in God's sovereignty and guidance.

Moses experienced this kind of solitude when he encountered God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28). Spending forty days alone with God prepared him to lead the Israelites and deliver God's commandments. Similarly, Paul spent time in the wilderness after his conversion, deepening his understanding of the gospel (Galatians 1:17–18).

C.S. Lewis highlights the transformative nature of solitude with God: "We must lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us."

• C.S. Lewis (1898–1963) was a British author and theologian whose works, such as Mere Christianity, emphasize the importance of honest and intentional time with God.

Solitude with God equips us with wisdom, strength, and focus, enabling us to face life's challenges with clarity and faith. 

4. Focused Time with God Sharpens Our Purpose

"I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." (Psalm 119:11, ESV)

Alone time with God is not just about prayer but also about immersing ourselves in His Word. Studying Scripture in solitude helps us internalize His truth, sharpening our focus and purpose. When we store His Word in our hearts, it becomes a source of strength, guidance, and protection in every situation.

Joshua 1:8 underscores this principle: "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer emphasized the value of Scripture in private devotion: "We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God. He will be constantly crossing our paths and canceling our plans by sending us people with claims and petitions."

• Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945) was a German pastor and theologian whose works, including Life Together, highlight the importance of Scripture in personal and communal devotion.

Time alone with God sharpens our spiritual focus, preparing us to fulfill His purpose with confidence and clarity. 

As A Man: Be Prepared by Being Alone with God

To be prepared and focused in faith, we must prioritize time alone with God. In these moments of quiet reflection and prayer, we align our hearts with His, allowing Him to equip us for the journey ahead.

A.W. Tozer reminds us: "To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul's paradox of love." This paradox drives us to seek Him daily, finding strength and joy in His presence.

Let us commit to carving out time for solitude with God, trusting that these moments will transform our lives and deepen our faith. By preparing our hearts in private, we are equipped to live boldly for Him in public, bringing glory to His name in all we do. 

- Dr. Twigg