Reflections on a Sabbatical Journey 6

Seeking Solitude — and Finding God

One of my goals for this sabbatical has been to seek solitude. I imagined quiet places and open skies. Spaces where I could reflect, breathe, and just be. And by God’s generosity, He’s given me exactly that: alone time on a beach in the Bahamas, long days of hiking on the Appalachian Trail, and now, even on a work trip in Tulsa, moments of silence to be still.

But last night, a song helped shift my perspective. It’s called A Hammer and a Nail by John Augustine, based on Romans 5. One line really hit me:

“Lord I get so weak, but I guess that’s nothing new. The solitude I seek I can only find in you.”

That lyric reminded me of a verse I’ve always loved: how Jesus would often go off to lonely places to pray. I used to think He just needed space from the crowds, time to be alone. But now I see it differently. Jesus wasn’t looking to get away by Himself. He was seeking time with His Father.

True solitude isn’t just about being alone. It’s about being alone with God. That’s where peace lives. That’s where renewal happens. And that’s what I’m learning to seek. Not just quiet, but communion. Not just escape, but encounter.

Thanks for praying for me and walking this journey with me, even from afar.

Gary

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”

Romans 5:6 ESV

“Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” 

Luke 5:15-16 NIV