But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16 (NIV)

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Lonely is a frequently mentioned word in the therapy room when referring to Christmas, and especially this year, as many are separated from loved ones due to the pandemic. Depression and anxiety, the unwelcome twins who tend to visit around the holidays are extra obnoxious guests this year. The loss of community and family celebrations this year, as well as ongoing isolation, loss and fear is widespread. This has caused me to ponder what solitude and even loneliness can do to deepen our experience of God.

The pictures my mind paints to match the profound moments where human and God meet seem to be solitary events. The Annunciation, Moses on Mt. Sinai, Elijah in the cave, Jesus in the desert, and John the Baptist in the wilderness are just a few of the people who had powerful encounters with God while alone. In addition, many of the saints throughout history had life changing experiences while either alone or lonely. Even the events surrounding the Nativity seem to take place in remote, lonely places–fields and stables.

It seems that being alone removes our distractions from God, if we allow it. Humans are adept at distracting themselves away from painful or difficult feelings, it’s both a survival skill and a block to growth. However, it is loneliness, suffering and even pleasant solitude that pushes open a space in our souls for God to enter in powerful ways that are transformative. While we are alone, maybe we can set a space for God to join us, and this Guest will bring us a gift of joy and peace that our distractions would never allow us to have.