Finding God in Your Alone Time
written by: Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Jesus said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while. ”
In several devotions, I’ve shared my aversion to spending time alone. Only in the past five to ten years have I become comfortable being by myself. I spent decades feeling less spiritual and emotionally immature because being alone and in silence felt painful. I worked through my discomfort with silence, being alone through practice, and reflecting on my insecurities.
Learning why you feel uncomfortable being alone doesn’t require a therapist if you are good at asking meaningful questions and being honest with yourself. In “Who Are You When You’re Alone?” Dan Pedersen astutely challenges the reader by stating, “Alone time is a way to clean the slate.” Answer the question, “Is there any reason you feel uncomfortable with yourself?” Is there something you’ve done that makes you feel shame? I told you honesty would be painful.
Once you’ve recognized and confessed your shameful moments, you can trust God to wash away the perceived disgrace and trust in God’s healing grace. Now, the healthy shifts from what you have trouble forgiving about yourself to what is there that I enjoy about myself. We all have unique ideas, abilities, and qualities worthy of respect and value. It is not arrogance to appreciate your good qualities if your motivation is healing and honest restoration. Pedersen states, “The ego is all about what other people think of you.” Self-worth is what you think of yourself.
Today, find time to reflect on how comfortable you are with yourself. Do you avoid yourself at any cost? Do you look forward to interacting with yourself? These are spiritual questions because God values you and wants to speak to you privately. If you are constantly with others or frequently seeking diversions, God has no space to speak to your heart. When you find comfort and meaning in your alone time, there is room for God to guide your heart and mind.
