Alone in a Crowd

Alone, or lonely? Which are you?

When you are alone, it is easier to hear God. It is easier to experience the presence of God. His presence is clearer when no one else is near. And yet, how lonely it can be in the middle of a crowd. Job had friends to comfort and counsel him, but their presence made him feel more lonely, not less. Their presence made him feel further from God, and their counsel did not bring him peace.

When Jesus was tired from the crowds and the long days, he went up into the mountains, or into desolate places, to be alone. While alone (but feeling the presence of God), he became refreshed. Sometimes he took his followers, but only a select few, and sometimes he went completely alone. When he took followers, they also needed the rest afforded by being alone with God.

And when he had sent the multitudes away,
he went up into a mountain apart to pray:
and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

We all need space to be by ourselves. Too much noise and busyness is not exhilarating, but is tiring. God is our refuge. When we are with Him, there is safety, comfort, understanding. Seek time to be alone with God and experience the refreshing.

Woe unto them that join house to house,
that lay field to field, till there be no place,
that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!