Building Resilience Through Stillness: The Power of Solitude with God 🌿🙏
Jesus’ Habit of Solitude and Prayer 🕊️
Mark 1:35 (ESV) says:
“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”
Even amid growing crowds and demands, Jesus prioritized time alone with the Father. He didn’t wait for a convenient moment—He made it happen very early, before the day pulled Him away.
Similarly, Luke 5:15-16 (ESV) tells us:
“But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.”
And in Luke 22:39 (ESV):
“And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.”
Notice the phrase “as was his custom”—this wasn’t occasional; it was Jesus’ consistent habit. If the Son of God needed regular withdrawal to pray amid busyness, how much more do we?
Why Solitude Builds Resilience 💪
Solitude with God acts as a decompression chamber. It’s where you:
- Release the pressure of appearances and expectations
- Unload burdens you weren’t meant to carry alone
- Remember God’s willingness to help with every stressor
- Experience true catharsis and renewal
Psalm 46:10 (ESV) captures it beautifully:
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Being still isn’t laziness—it’s active trust. It quiets the noise that fuels anxiety and opens space for God’s peace.
Jesus Himself taught this in Matthew 6:6 (ESV):
“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
And the promise in Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) seals it:
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
How to Build the Habit of Stillness 🌅
Habits form through practice and repetition—consistency turns intention into reality.
Practical steps to start:
- Start your day with God, not screens. Skip the phone, TV, or social media first thing. Choose quiet over noise. 📵
- Find a solitary place—a quiet room, backyard, or early morning walk.
- Set a realistic time—even 10-15 minutes to begin—and stick to it daily.
- Meditate on Scripture and listen in His presence.
- Be patient—habits take time, but the payoff in resilience is worth it.
The key? Make it non-negotiable, just like Jesus did.
Reflect and Apply 🤔
- How might shifting your view of spiritual disciplines (like prayer and stillness) increase your motivation?
- What distractions (noise, busyness, devices) keep you from being quiet before God?
- What bigger steps could you take—like a dedicated quiet time spot, accountability partner, or earlier bedtime—to be more diligent?
Resilient people don’t avoid stress—they face it from a place of renewed strength in God’s presence.
A Prayer for Stillness and Strength 🙌
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the example of Jesus, who showed us the vital importance of withdrawing to be with You. In a noisy world, help me to be still and know that You are God. Teach me to prioritize solitude with You over the demands of the day.
Lord, I confess the times I’ve let busyness crowd out prayer. Forgive me and renew my desire for Your presence. Give me the discipline to rise early, shut out distractions, and pour out my heart to You. Replace my anxiety with Your surpassing peace as I cast my cares on You.
Build in me a resilient spirit that trusts You fully. May my life reflect the calm strength that comes from time alone with You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.