Daily Delight
Alone time. In some form or fashion, we all love it, we all need it, and I am sure that we crave a little bit of it. And it is immensely healthy. It allows us to rest, re-center, and draw closer to our Creator. Jesus himself was in the habit of seeking solitude. After He fed the five thousand, Scripture tells us that “Jesus withdrew to the mountain by himself” (John 6:15b, ESV).But what if you have too much alone time? I am an introvert by nature. I prefer a night in with a book rather than going out with friends. However, I can attest to the dangers of isolation. When I was going through the thick of depression, I further secluded myself from any sort of community, including my own family. Thankfully, my older sister dragged me out of the house and to her church, where Jesus met me with healing. God used my sister to help me find community. Hebrews 10:24-25 reads, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (ESV).Community allows for opportunities to be vulnerable with other believers and to build others up in Christ. This wisdom is also stated by Solomon. He wrote “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17, ESV). Spiritual growth requires wisdom to be poured out by pastors, mentors, or conversations between believers. While knowledge of the Holy One can be gained in alone time, meditating on Scriptures, the discussion and application of it in community allows for further growth.My mentors have pushed me in ways that I could not dream possible and have prompted me with questions that I would have never inquired of myself. Community is a tool used by God in order to help with accountability with your walk, and a helping hand when you stumble. I encourage you that if you do not have a community, reach out for prayer to fellow believers. The difference it makes is indescribable.{photo: @brittneyborowski}
About the Author
Rachel Schlotzhauer
Rachel is a recent college graduate from Grand Canyon University. Her passions include serving high schoolers at her local church and writing poetry. Rachel lives in Phoenix, AZ, with her family (including her three sisters).