Several years ago I read about people who paid $2,500 per night at specific hotels in order to be disconnected from the Internet, their cell phones, and all other types of technology that pierce the silence. They were willing to pay a lot of money to obtain what they hoped would be some peace of mind—even if it was temporary. They were willing to pay a hefty price for some silence and solitude.
Jesus, the Son of God, through whom all things were made (John 1:3) often chose to leave the crowds, family, friends, noise, demands placed on Him, and sometimes even sleep in order to be alone with His Father. It was in those lonely moments and places that He had intimate fellowship with God the Father. It was in the wilderness, far from the demanding crowds, where He was renewed and also tempted to deny what He had learned in His intimate fellowship with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit (Matthew 4:1-11).
Jesus knew that the “Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power” (1 Corinthians 4:20). And a major way that Jesus gained the power to live the life He was called to live, to bring the kingdom of God near (Luke 10:9), and to die the death that He was called to die was by spending time alone with God the Father and the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 5:7-8).
Without that time alone in wilderness prayer, Jesus would likely have found it challenging to face the onslaught of this life. He needed His time with our heavenly Father. It’s the same for us. Thankfully, we don’t have to pay $2,500 for solitude and silence. Jesus, who meets us in our silence and solitude, already paid the price so we might know His peace and power.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 15:22-41
More:
Read Exodus 3:1-16. Do you think Moses would’ve noticed the burning bush outside of his wilderness solitude and silence? How has God spoken to you in the wilderness?
Next:
1 Kings 19:12 tells us that Elijah heard God’s gentle, quiet whisper, or His still, small voice in the wilderness. Have you heard that gentle, quiet whisper lately? How will you spend more wilderness time with God this week?
Gary Shultz on October 31, 2015 at 6:39 am
Even the picture was rather relaxing with this article. Being a addict of rural living, solitude is not to difficult to find. Unfortunately for those people that have too much money, silence and solitude can be bought, but peace can not. They probably want peace, not just solitude. And of course peace can be found in a busy environment. And that’s the mistake most make, peace comes from the inner being out, silence and solitude can only bath the rest in pleasant surroundings. If we put them both together, now we have something, a walk in the garden with God. Thanks, aaahhhhhhh.
Adriel L. on October 31, 2015 at 11:11 am
“Unfortunately for those people that have too much money, silence and solitude can be bought, but peace can not.” This really struck me. Thanks Gary.
I’m glad that we cannot buy peace. It cost so very much, but even the poor man has access to it!
gary1schelvan on October 31, 2015 at 8:04 am
Dear Marlena,
Such a wonderful posting. I agree with Gary Shultz, spending all that money can but some silence and solitude, but don’t think it’s possible to buy that “peace” they are looking so hard for. You can disconnect from all of the electronic gadgets, but can’t disconnect from the inner personal turmoil, that’s with you no matter how much you pay. I live in Tianjin, China with my Chinese wife Cathy, unfortunately there is not a lot of quiet and solitude here. I find mine though, rising early each morning, playing with my energetic puppy, then spending personal quiet time in the Bible, devotional reading and prayer time. It leaves me so refreshed and at peace with Jesus, a feeling that all will be okay, He is in charge and running the show. Hallelujah!