Me Myself And I

There is a difference in being alone and being isolated. Believers today desperately need to learn the value of being alone. They also need to avoid isolation at all cost. 

Time alone can be scary and intimidating, but it’s one of the most critical elements in the life of a believer. It’s in the moments we are alone where God speaks, works, and yes, confronts. In Genesis we read the story of Jacob, the liar and trickster. He eventually received a new name from God— Israel. What were the events leading up to that moment? A lot! No need for me to detail it here, but suffice to say, He was on the run. He stole his brothers birth right a number of years earlier, now for the confrontation. Before this occurs, we find him sending servants, gifts and all sorts of supplies over a stream while he stays alone on the side they came from. He camps out and in the night, God confronts…when he is alone and vulnerable. 

“And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.” (Genesis 32.24).

Isn’t that the best time for a confrontation? When you’re alone. Let’s say a friend needs to have a serious conversation with you. Maybe they need to gently show you a blind spot in your life. When is the best time to talk about it? Alone of course. 

God often chooses a time when the two of you are alone. Just as your friend would plan what they would say to you, God also does some planning for gently confronting you. Sometimes, not so gentle, like in this case with Jacob. Jacob needed the confrontation. He was on the run, even if he was trying to make amends. God chose, as he always does, a specific environment. His choice of place and time is impeccable. 

For me, it’s been in the middle of the night, or when Im alone on the road in my truck. God knows when and how to get my attention. It is rare that God confronts us when we’re on the phone. He rarely, if ever, confront us when we’re watching television or checking social media. In fact,. Satan uses these tools to distract and occupy us from being alone. 

God confronts you when you’re alone. He will definitely do it when you’re in the Word or in prayer. I guess that’s why so many believers today choose to be preoccupied when attending places and events which do these things. It also stands to reason why we are slipping so rapidly in this particular time. To say we live busy lives is an understatement. I cannot think of a generation, time, or people, who have lived under the demands we do. Your phone rings; your email needs checking; your boss needs a report; sports need to be attended; the television is on 24-7; the text dings; the app notification vibrates.

But when we get alone, demands cease, distractions end, and quiet invades. This is the setting where God speaks to us. When we are vulnerably alone and quiet. He may say something you don’t want to hear. He may provoke you to do something you don’t want to do. He may speak into an area you don’t want to change. This is exactly what we need then.  

What are the biggest challenges you face in getting alone, especially with God? Don’t avoid Him, run to Him. He’s waiting to speak life into you. Maybe plan some extended time alone with God. Take a day, a weekend, alone. Turn off the notifications on your phone. Listen to Him instead. Don’t search social media, search your scripture instead. You’re His child, He is waiting until He has your undivided attention. Like Jacob, you don’t want to wait until He makes a move on you. Stop what you’re doing and ask God to help you make some time. 

Invite God to confront you. This is where He will meet you, alone, just you and Him.