Solitude

[Michael37]

Isa 32:17-18  And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.  (18)  And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

Some Christians in the Lord's body experience seasons of solitude, especially with the passing of loved ones, but for some solitude has been a life-long, unchanging paradigm for them to come to terms with, as if it is a special gift from which ministry can proceed.

1Co 12:18  But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.

Solitude is often paired with loneliness, but aloneness is also often held to be distinct from loneliness.

I enjoy my own company, and manage quite well on my own for a few days when my dear wife is away, but I have to empathise with those who actually live alone, and don't embrace solitude as a gift.

[Ray12614]

I have known some brothers and sisters in the Lord who have lost spouses to death or divorce. Its tough for them.

Regarding solitude, I think its beneficial when its time alone with God. Special times of fellowship.

But If its just me . . . then I never can get away from me . . . I tell the same old stale jokes that are really not funny . . . have the same old complaints, and really don't like me to the point that I would choose myself as a friend.

Just saying . . . . 

[Marathoner]

4 hours ago, Michael37 said:

Isa 32:17-18  And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.  (18)  And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

Some Christians in the Lord's body experience seasons of solitude, especially with the passing of loved ones, but for some solitude has been a life-long, unchanging paradigm for them to come to terms with, as if it is a special gift from which ministry can proceed.

1Co 12:18  But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.

Solitude is often paired with loneliness, but aloneness is also often held to be distinct from loneliness.

I enjoy my own company, and manage quite well on my own for a few days when my dear wife is away, but I have to empathise with those who actually live alone, and don't embrace solitude as a gift.

I join you in that. As for myself, the Lord is with me always so I'm never alone. It isn't a burden by any means. 

He has given me a memorial so that I can remember how He came to me when all hope was lost, and I wrongly believed that He despised me having been silent for so many years.

I think of that day and I tremble at the memory of how close I came to the end of this flesh; not the prospect of the end of flesh and blood but rather, the end of my time on earth without the Lord. He came to me and lifted me up, healing body and mind and restoring me. What is the memorial of that day?

My right hand. It was broken when I fell and so one of the knuckles on that hand is absent. This is so I can remember and say, "The Lord delivered me with a mighty hand, for my own was broken!"

I could say that I lost everything except for the life in this body that is perishing, and it would be true only in this sense: I have no family (they rejected me). I have no wife and no children. I lost all of my possessions many times over, I lost whatever money I had, and I had no place to rest my head. I don't own any property...

But the Lord has given me everything. He has given me Himself and the promise that when He gathers me to Himself, I will never depart. I will dwell in His presence forever.

Truly, my joy knows no bounds!

[Sower]

7 hours ago, Michael37 said:

I enjoy my own company, and manage quite well on my own for a few days when my dear wife is away, but I have to empathise with those who actually live alone, and don't embrace solitude as a gift.

"Solitude, often misunderstood as simply being alone, is a state of being alone without loneliness or isolation. It's a positive and desirable experience that allows for introspection, creativity, and personal growth. Being alone is not necessarily synonymous with loneliness, which is a sense of isolation even when surrounded by others."

Being an old fart, I enjoy time alone. The outside world has become too noisy for me, too crowded to feel at peace.
I do enjoy our meeting together with our church body, families and old friends as we just returned home from.

Every day I often end up in my shop eventually by myself. Quiet with special easy listening instrumentals playing. 
A favorite may come on and trigger memories. Good stuff most often.
This causes a great thankfulness, gratitude and eventually giving praise to God.

God is with me and ain't going to leave. I talk, he listens, and with the word hid within, me replies.

I know I am blessed beyond measure and try to get that emotion understood by our 'Father.'
Why does He give me so much favor, a sinner like me?
God is merciful. God is good, and so be it.

Thanks Michael

[AnOrangeCat]

17 hours ago, Michael37 said:

I enjoy my own company, and manage quite well on my own for a few days when my dear wife is away, but I have to empathise with those who actually live alone, and don't embrace solitude as a gift.

I'm similarly fond of solitude and can quite easily spend weeks or even months without human contact. I try not to slip into that, though. I feel a similar relationship with what some would call depression. But it's often been a source for compassion and insight, and much like Paul's thorn I think it's served a purpose. I wouldn't change it.

[D. Adrien]

On 6/8/2025 at 8:27 AM, Ray12614 said:

I have known some brothers and sisters in the Lord who have lost spouses to death or divorce. Its tough for them.

Regarding solitude, I think its beneficial when its time alone with God. Special times of fellowship.

But If its just me . . . then I never can get away from me . . . I tell the same old stale jokes that are really not funny . . . have the same old complaints, and really don't like me to the point that I would choose myself as a friend.

Just saying . . . . 

Try doing something different and sometimes you'll discover something you should have tried in life much sooner. A musical instrument, fishing or just a harder hike. Something new can click with your spirit!

[Alive]

Much like Sower, things change with age and situation. I spend all week days alone for the last 4 years or so. We are far away from family and friends and at an age where making new is not easy. Like Michael, I am comfortable with my thoughts. I have found myself often reflecting on the past and at times on past sins which I see as failures and so I rely on the Lord and His Grace and blood all the more. As I have shared before, I have become increasingly aware I can do nothing without Him. It’s kinda like going from macro to micro as life slows down. I am thankful that I can still build things like a screened porch and I can still help neighbors. My wife is my best friend and sister and we make a good team. Solitude provides an opportunity to realize a quiet contentment in Him.