That sacred space is where God sees before man sees, where unfulfilled longings are stored even in visible years. In the holy place of hiddenness, dreams and devotion thrive. That spiritual space is refreshed in lonely places; it is well watered by deserts. May that sacred space always be well watered in us. Then, when possessions and power do come, we will be quick to use them for God's glory and not for our own.
Alicia Britt Chole
In a society that strives for popularity, possession, and attention- being alone seems lonely, empty space seems barren land and quiet time seems tedious. Everyone will do something just to strive for attention, to be seen, to be noticed, and to be admired. No one wants to be hidden from the spotlights and attention, thinking nothing grows in there.
I always feel closer to God when I am writing alone in a quiet place, when I am walking alone in an empty street, and when I am praying and worshipping alone in my bedroom- these are sacred spaces, when it's just me and God. It's a constant struggle living in this age where distractions are everywhere, it's hard to find solitary places.
In multitudes we find comfort in being connected, in abundance, we find fullness and joy, in success, we find meaning and purpose and in emptiness, we find failings and breakings. Surely, it's painful but there is so much healing in stillness, a breakthrough in a quiet and lonely place when no one is watching, only you and God. In the wilderness, a barren and desolate place, we can find beauty and solace in being honest with ourselves and just pouring out our hearts to God.
Whenever I read the Scripture, I am filled with amazement at how Jesus lived his life, starting with his profound humility. Despite facing numerous temptations, including the temptation of appetite, the temptation of applause, and the temptation of authority, Jesus remained obedient to the Father and continued to love sinners like myself. Even in the harsh desert landscape, where the tempter tried to lure Jesus, he stood firm and relied on the Word. Like Jesus, we too face daily struggles with Satan's lies and accusations, and we must strive to emulate his example by knowing the Word and following the will of the Father.
Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness
4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]”7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]”
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[e]”
11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Matthew 4:1-11
And even in multitudes Jesus always find ways to meet the Father and draw closer to Him.
13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.
Matthew 14:13
35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Mark 1:35
15 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. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke 5:15-16
And perhaps the most heartbreaking is being alone at the cross, his willingness to make himself nothing, to suffer, and to die.
45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,[a]lemasabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).[b]
Matthew 27:45-46
He was abandoned and forsaken.
How many of us just want to skip the dry season in our life? The hidden years when it feels like you're struggling all alone with inimical voices of fears and doubts creeping into your being, years of unanswered prayers, years not seeing miracles and wonders, and years that it's just you and God. Again it's very intimate- it's His way to call your attention, to listen, and to just rest in Him.
If you feel disconnected from God and unsure of His love and pursuit for you, remember that Jesus showed His love by dying for you. This pure and gentle love is something we don't deserve, but often take for granted. We were created for God and His glory, and accepting Him as our savior leads to an unbreakable covenant and a lasting relationship. When we ask for forgiveness, He will purify us and forgive all our sins. Come to Him as you are, and He will help you become who you were meant to be - victorious, joyful, and fulfilled, even in the face of suffering.
The Bible says in Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," and in Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. God is Holy and just, He loves us but He doesn't love our sins: our pride, jealousy, self-righteousness, our nature- these hinders us to come to Him.
And the only antidote to our sins is Jesus.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) It doesn't end there, there's hope to life. That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day...( 1 Corinthians 5: 3-4)
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (Revelations 3:20)
You can pray this prayer, if you want to know Jesus more and to accept Him as your Savior.
"Oh Lord Jesus Christ, I need You in my life. Thank you for Your love that crucified for my sins. I am a sinner and I confess all my sins that You see in my life and I ask for your forgiveness. Please come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by Your power and grace. Thank you Lord for saving me and for answering my prayer. From now on, be the center of my life and help me to walk according to Your Word. Amen."
To accept Christ as your Savior, you must first repent and have faith that only Jesus can fulfill your needs and transform you. It's important to find a quiet and holy space where you can connect with Him every day, read the Bible, embrace the teachings, and join a community of fellow believers. Always remember that by accepting Jesus, your name is inscribed in the book of life and you are guaranteed an eternal life, as promised to all who trust in His name.
Welcome home!
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
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