Solitude

There are moments in life when solitude becomes not just a choice, but a necessity. When the weight of the world presses down, I’ve found it easier to bear the load myself rather than pass it on to others. I’ve come to realize that few truly understand the depth of your struggles, and fewer still offer genuine help.

In these quiet moments, I’ve learned the art of conversing with myself. My mind is a constant whirl of questions and answers, sifting through one challenge after another, like waves on a shore. I used to thrive in the presence of others, energized by the hum of conversation and the pull of social gatherings. I was the life of the party, always surrounded by people.

But now, with more time spent alone, I’ve become an observer, a thinker. I've started to dissect and scrutinize life in a way I never did before. I’ve discovered that solitude has a strange clarity. When I’m alone, I make decisions rooted in calm, not chaos. In the stillness, I speak to my Creator. I find comfort in prayer, and the words of scripture resonate more deeply, unclouded by the distractions of everyday life.

In those solitary hours, I can lose myself in days of quiet study, writing, and reflection. The need for company has faded. Instead, I’ve found that God fills the spaces I once thought were empty. I’ve stopped seeking validation in the presence of others because I’ve found a deeper fulfillment in the peace of being alone.

Not everyone understands this shift. Some worry about me, interpreting my solitude as sadness or depression. Out of concern, I’ve received unexpected calls from people I barely speak to. Others find me weird and judge me negatively. But they don’t see what I see. Through my time alone and the guidance of scripture, my perspective on life has changed. I don’t seek approval from the crowd anymore—I’ve found purpose, and I walk a path guided by a different set of principles.

Living by these principles has given me a new boldness. I speak truths I never would have dared to voice before, even when it leads to difficult conversations with family or friends. My solitude has reshaped me, and though I may seem strange to others, I’ve found peace in being different.

Even in my moments of solitude, temptation and trials from the devil still find their way to me. I’m not a righteous man yet, but I’m on the path, striving to become one. On this journey, conflict arose, and I behaved in a way that didn’t sit well with some. One person had the boldness to tell me that I act like I'm saved, but my salvation hasn’t truly reached me. I’m thankful I can stand firm in the truth. Instead of feeling defeated, I left more energized and encouraged. I will always hold fast to the Word above all else.

I'm proud that for once I can stand for something. Why call yourself a Christian of you can't defend or live by the standards of a Christian? The Bible says in Galatians 2:18: "For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor."

The words of the Bible guide my steps. Isaiah’s call to “cry aloud, spare not” reminds me not to shy away from speaking the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. And Leviticus teaches me to discern between the holy and the unholy, to live a life that is set apart.

“Solitude is an opportunity to open up our lives and souls to Him for whom we were made.”

When one embarks on a deep search—especially a pursuit of God—it is crucial to step away from distractions. In solitude, away from the crowd, we must earnestly seek His face, for "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen" (Matthew 6:6).

There comes a moment when the noise of the world fades, and only you and God remain. Nothing else holds meaning, for in that sacred space, it is just you in His presence.

Jesus, too, often withdrew to desolate places to commune with the Father in prayer. Each time, He emerged renewed and strengthened. There is great power in retreating to solitude, as it is written, "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (Luke 5:16).

Christians in the past understood that it was better to be in the desert, in the fiery furnace, in the lions den and even in prison with Christ than anywhere else without Him. These days, people are ready to mingle just to get along.

I don’t claim to be better than anyone, nor do I wish to come across as overly righteous nor am I passing judgment on anyone. I simply want to live according to the standards set for me by God. And that’s why I’ve come to embrace solitude. In it, I find not loneliness, but clarity, peace, purpose, and a connection that no crowd could ever provide.

“…hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” 🙏🏽