In the religious world, tradition often calls us to trust routines and theories that are rarely examined on a personal level. These traditions can cause us to conform our beliefs to religious speculation rather than an authentic, meaningful, and useful understanding. This dynamic makes it crucial to find moments of solitude with the Bible—time to reflect deeply, question freely, and connect with our devotional character.
My journey is always connected to a verse that resonates deeply with it: "God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains" (Psalm 68:6). The Bible's liberation is not about breaking literal chains, but the spiritual and religious burdens we carry. Through solitude, I allow my devotional conversation time to align with the Bible's. It is in these moments that I experience the Bible’s intended "resurrection," gaining inward wisdom and strength by letting its words revive my understanding and concept of self.
The Importance of Solitude
Solitude is more than physical isolation; it is a state of intentional reflection and focus. Philosophically, solitude offers a sacred space to step away from normal distractions to not only embrace the Bible’s deeper reality, but also the deeper reality of who we are as human and as devotional creatures.
The Bible celebrates solitude as a place of connection and renewal with the living Mind of the living God. Abraham, as Isaiah 51:2 tells us, was "called alone" and blessed greatly. This practice of solitude is also exemplified within the book of Mark, as Mark 1:35 describes: "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." Solitude is where the heart communes with understanding, undisturbed by worldly religious noise.
The Benefits of Solitude for Personal Growth
Solitude encourages the focus needed to grasp the Bible’s deeper logic. As Isaiah 28:9-10 teaches, understanding comes by building knowledge "precept upon precept, line upon line." This reflective process is magnified in solitude, where we have the time to learn the Bible’s character, allowing us to connect "spiritual things with spiritual" (1 Corinthians 2:13).
There is also an emotionally healing aspect to how the Bible would educate our devotional character. The Bible offers profound emotional solace during solitary reflection. Words can heal. Ecclesiastes 7:2 reveals that contemplating life's transience can bring clarity and peace: "It is better to go to the house of mourning... the living will lay it to his heart." Solitude creates space for this transformative contemplation.
Time with the Bible means the regeneration and the refreshing of our personal and devotional self, offering to us a reminded that spiritual renewal often begins in quiet moments. Through solitude, we open ourselves to incredible wisdom, inviting a rebirth of purpose, understanding, and connection with our belief.
Practical Steps to Embrace Solitude
Creating a Safe Space
Quietness makes learning comfortable. The author writing the book of Romans even associates learning with comfort, writing that what is written from Genesis to Malachi is for “our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). Choose a safe and quiet place to focus entirely on reflection. Remember that quietness equals comfort, and comfort, to the Bible, equals learning.
Daily or Weekly Practices
Start small—set aside just 10-15 minutes daily for solitude. Use this time for reflection on the Bible’s words, or on the impact of those words on self, or simply sitting in silence to connect with your thoughts and emotions. OR embrace the Bible-scheduled weekly therapeutic appointment for the seventh day. The hours of this period of time are for “rest,” which in the original language means that these hours are for the philosophical rejuvenation of our devotional character’s thoughts and feelings. This is not a “church day.” This appointment is for refreshing our belief’s understanding and purpose.
Overcoming Distractions
Minimize distractions by turning off devices and notifying loved ones of your quiet time if necessary. Focus on the present moment, on retaining an aspect or a concept or a counsel from within the Bible, gently bringing your mind back if it wanders.
Guided Reflection Practices
Meditative Reading
Choose a Bible passage, or even one or two verses and read it slowly, reflecting on its symbolic meaning. Ask yourself how it speaks to your current experiences or challenges. If inclined to further reflect, look for similar instances of that passage, or of those verses, within other familiar passages or verses within the Bible. Write what you find. Reflect on it. Apply it to your experience and/or to other previously relatable passages or verses within the Bible.
Journaling
Write down your reflections and insights during solitary moments. Journaling can reveal patterns in your thoughts and help you track devotional growth over time. These writings will give you material for examination, ensuring your journey never lacks of content.
Prayer and Contemplation
Structure your prayer around what are reflecting on. Your prayers should match the Bible’s intended experience. Always cite your findings in your prayers. Our prayers will be answered if revolving around the wisdom gained and practically experienced from within the Bible.
Be abraham
Solitude is a gift that allows us to deepen our understanding, heal emotionally, and renew our mind. By embracing these quiet moments with the Bible, we unlock the Abraham experience, our devotional conversation receiving the Bible’s intended circumcision. Follow the Bible’s advice and embrace devotional solitude.