| 1:48 MIN READ |

There’s a big difference between solitude and isolation. The first is healthy and necessary. The second is unhealthy and destructive.

Isolation is detachment from people. It’s a choice to separate yourself from meaningful relationships and connections with other people. Isolation breeds loneliness, discouragement, and depression. It locks us into the world of our own thoughts and emotions without anything to check or correct their validity. Isolated people are never happy people.

Solitude is quite different. It’s a vital part of becoming healthy and strong. Solitude is the decision to periodically pull away from people, and dependence on people, to grow your relationship with God, and to reflect on your personal life journey; spiritually, emotionally and relationally. It’s time alone with God, and with your thoughts.

Jesus showed us how to live in proper relationship with others while maintaining regular times of solitude. So much of the Gospels describes the significant amount of time Jesus spent with His disciples and with people who needed His love and power. Yet we also see Jesus’ alone moments. Take a look at Mark 1:35 (TPT) “… Jesus got up long before daylight, left the house while it was dark, and made his way to a secluded place to give himself to prayer.”

This is only one example of Jesus’ commitment to solitude. He demonstrated by example a life of meaningful relationships and connections, along with a daily commitment to solitude with His Heavenly Father. He was able to be alone without being lonely!

What about you? Are you isolated from others? If so, get connected! Or perhaps you’re a “people junkie.” You seldom dedicate time to be alone with God. Balance your life by committing to community with others and communion with God!

Pastor Dale

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