Nestled in the icy embrace of two miles of glacial ice at the Earth's southernmost point, the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station is one of the most isolated locations on the globe. With over 800 miles separating it from the nearest human inhabitants, it stands as a testament to human resilience and curiosity.
This remote outpost is home to a small, dedicated community of 50 to 150 individuals who come together to support the vital scientific research undertaken by the United States Antarctic Program. Among them is Brett Baddorf, who has taken on the unique role of missionary to his fellow residents.
Prior to his arrival, Baddorf anticipated that the profound silence and solitude inherent in the South Pole might pose a significant challenge to his relationship with Christ. Instead, he found himself discovering what he now refers to as "the blessings of solitude":
“I should have known better. Christ frequently withdrew to desolate places [like the desert], often at night. So while our environment elicits plenty of side effects and moments of tension over time, Christians, especially here, have leaned into, instead of away from, the solitude.
“None of the Christians here feel called to spend the rest of their lives in the desert (Antarctica is technically a desert, with little precipitation). But it is impossible to deny the benefits of a season set apart. If anything, it would help to remove a few more of the amenities here, at least if a goal of coming to Antarctica was fostering spiritual growth.
“In the modern, non-Antarctic world, it can be difficult to find places to be alone. We are surrounded by real and virtual communities throughout good portions of our days. When we do need to set apart moments of meditation with our God, knowing how to handle stillness can be almost as challenging as finding it.”
As Baddorf notes, the modern, “non-Antarctic world” offers few opportunities for true solitude. We are constantly surrounded by a flurry of “real and virtual” interactions throughout most of our waking hours.
We frequently contemplate a particular type of solitude, one that involves a state of mind or heart and is deeply connected to the concept of inner peace. This unique form of solitude does not require physical isolation; instead, it can be experienced even in the midst of a bustling crowd. It serves as a calm, serene center amid the surrounding chaos, acting as a safe harbor that allows a person to maintain a sense of tranquility even when faced with tumultuous and challenging circumstances.
This solitude, distinguished by its ability to provide a soothing balm in difficult times, is a divine gift. It is a blessing that can envelop us in a comforting blanket of serenity in the face of adversity, providing a sense of peace and stability when everything else seems to be spiraling out of control. This is the very peace that Jesus promised His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion, a peace that was meant to comfort them in the face of His impending resurrection and eventual ascension. It is a peace that transcends the mortal world and offers a glimpse of the divine. He said...
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
This form of solitude, which involves a serene state of mind and soul, is cultivated as we open ourselves up to the divine workings of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide us in our spiritual journey. This solitude is not merely a state of being alone but a profound tranquility and inner peace that transcends human understanding. It is a supernatural “fruit” of the spirit that cannot be artificially produced or mechanically replicated. It is an ethereal gift that comes from surrendering oneself to the spiritual realm and embracing the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
We should all want to experience this inner solitude, this divine peace, as it is God's delight to work it in each of us every day.
However, the type of solitude I'm discussing here is a distinct one, a solitude that, even though it delivers the same inner tranquility, is quite unlike the conventional understanding of the term. The "solitude" I'm referring to involves a deliberate act of separating oneself from the myriad of distractions of daily life for a designated period. The prime purpose of this solitude is to be alone with God, to engage in quiet, uninterrupted contemplation and reflection, grounding ourselves in our spiritual journey.
In advocating for this, I am certainly not suggesting that we should all uproot our lives and relocate to the South Pole in the manner of Baddorf. Instead, the solitude I propose is more in line with the restful rhythm that God established in the world when He designated the Sabbath as a day of rest. It's a solitude akin to that, a pause in our busy schedules, a moment of respite where we can introspect, reflect, and connect with our God on a deeper level.
Several years ago, I received some interesting news from my son. He enthusiastically informed me that he, along with seven other leaders from his church, had decided to embark on a spiritual retreat. This was not just any retreat but one that would take them all the way from the bustling city of Dallas, Texas, to the serene and picturesque state of Colorado.
Their carefully laid-out plan involved spending a full three days sequestered away in separate cabins nestled amidst the natural beauty of Colorado. This was a deliberate choice to ensure they were removed from the distractions of everyday life, allowing them to focus solely on their spiritual journey.
The items they chose to bring were minimal, reflecting the simplicity of their mission. They were only permitted to bring their Bibles, which would serve as their spiritual guide during this period, journals to capture their thoughts and experiences, and writing materials as an extension of their introspective reflection. Additionally, they had to consider practical needs and thus packed clothing that would be suitable for the colder climate they would encounter in Colorado.
In the absence of cell phone service, televisions, radios, iPads, computers, or any other forms of media, they found themselves entirely detached from the rest of the world. The only times they would gather were for meals, but even in these moments, the conversation was kept to a bare minimum. They were specifically instructed not to share any personal experiences or insights gained during their solitary time with God. For an uninterrupted period of 72 hours, they were to completely immerse themselves in solitude, away from all distractions.
The impact of this three-day period on my son was nothing short of profound. At that moment in time, he was navigating through several significant changes in his life. He was transitioning into a new area of work, in the process of purchasing a house, and expecting the arrival of his first child. His life was filled with a multitude of things demanding his immediate attention, as he described it to me. However, he conveyed how this period of solitude, of uninterrupted silence and spiritual reflection, enabled him to tune into God's voice in a way he had never been able to do. It provided him with clarity and a tranquility of mind, that allowed him to truly listen, to hear God's guidance amid the busyness that was his life at that time.
The practice of solitude is something I deeply wish I had integrated into my spiritual journey at a much earlier stage in my life and with greater frequency. For as long as I can remember, I have always tried to maintain a daily routine of solitude, a sacred time that I set aside for the sole purpose of engaging in Scripture reading and prayer. This has always been a time when I try to let the noise of the world fade into the background as I turn my focus toward spiritual matters.
However, I now recognize that there were specific times, key moments in my spiritual journey when what I truly needed was to go a step further. I should have completely detached from the hurry of my world, temporarily foregoing my normal responsibilities and distractions, to find a quiet, peaceful place where I could be alone with God. This solitude wouldn't just be for a few brief moments but rather for an extended time, allowing for a deeper connection and more profound contemplation.
Perhaps it might be beneficial to perceive solitude as a form of spiritual reboot for your life, a concept that can potentially illuminate its critical significance. In our modern world, our minds can become cluttered with the spiritual equivalent of "software code" in the form of stress, anxieties, and daily distractions. The constant influx of information and stimuli can leave our minds in a state of chaos, which may lead to a spiritual disconnect. Just as a computer occasionally needs to be restarted to clear jumbled software code and restore its functionality, our spiritual lives also benefit from a similar reset.
In this respect, solitude, like the Jewish community found in their weekly Sabbath, is akin to hitting the reset button on our hearts. It offers us an invaluable opportunity to clear away the confusion and distractions that we accumulate in our daily lives. It allows us to quiet the noise of the outer world and open ourselves up to the voice of God.
By taking time out from the world and entering a state of solitude, we can reconnect and realign ourselves with our loving Heavenly Father. In this quiet and tranquil space, we open ourselves up to the possibility of hearing God's voice. This can provide a sense of direction, comfort, and inspiration that can be deeply healing and transformative.
So, embrace solitude and see it not as a state of loneliness but as a spiritual reboot and an opening to divine fellowship with the Almighty.
This unique form of solitude, which was an integral part of Jesus' ministry, highlights the deep spiritual significance of seeking a true “Sabbath” rest. Jesus, in His wisdom, comprehended the profound importance of disconnecting from the constant demands and numerous distractions of daily life. He knew the value of finding a quiet space, a sanctuary, where He could be alone with the Father. In these moments of solitude, He could reflect, pray, and prepare for His vital redemptive work ahead.
Following are some examples of when Jesus retreated from the crowds and constant demands on His time to be alone.
When He chose the twelve as His apostles, He spent the entire night alone with His Father. (cf. Luke 6:12)
When He received the news that John the Baptist had been martyred, He went to be alone. (cf. Matthew 14:13)
After miraculously feeding 5,000 with two fish and five loaves of bread, Jesus went away by Himself. (cf. Matthew 14:23)
Following a long night of helping those who were sick and infirmed, Jesus withdrew to a lonely place. (cf. Mark 1:35)
When His twelve disciples returned from a preaching mission, Jesus instructed them about the importance of “solitude.” (cf. Mark 6:31)
After healing a leper Jesus went to be alone from the many demands upon Him. (cf. Luke 5:16)
With three of His disciples, He sought a private place on a mountain for the transfiguration. (Matthew 17:1-9)
And just before He was arrested and taken away to His crucifixion, He sought a quiet place in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Matthew 26:36-46)
The commitment of Jesus to the practice of solitude is vividly demonstrated in numerous instances throughout the Scriptures. His dedication to taking time away for quiet reflection and prayer is an aspect of His life that is frequently highlighted. Yet, in our modern, fast-paced world, many of us seem to fall short of following His pattern. We often allow ourselves to get caught up in our harried everyday lives, leaving little to no space for solitude. This raises a significant question for all who aspire to walk in His footsteps: If we truly seek to emulate Jesus, should we not also strive to incorporate this practice of solitude or “Sabbath” rest into our own lives?
The answer, while seemingly self-evident, is not as straightforward as it might appear. The practice of solitude requires a conscious and deliberate effort to withdraw from our usual activities and distractions. It means setting aside specific periods of time when we can be alone in quiet reflection and prayer. This can be a daunting prospect in our increasingly busy and interconnected world. However, it is precisely this challenge that makes the practice of solitude even more valuable and necessary.
It must be remembered, in the pursuit of a “Sabbath” rest, that the practice of solitude is not an end in itself. Rather, it is a means to a greater end - that of developing a deeper and more intimate relationship with God. In the quietness and stillness of solitude, we create a space where we can listen to God's voice more attentively, discern His will more clearly, and respond to His promptings more faithfully. In other words, solitude is not just about being alone; it is about being alone WITH God!
In the final analysis, the practice of solitude is not just about emulating Jesus. It is about drawing closer to Him, deepening our spiritual lives, and growing in our faith. So, if we truly desire to follow Jesus, we should not just casually incorporate this practice into our lives; we should embrace it wholeheartedly, recognizing its immense spiritual value and potential.
One author wisely noted that Solitude is the one place where we can gain freedom from the forces of society that will otherwise relentlessly mold us.” (The Life You Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines For Ordinary People)
In today's world, we are constantly rushing through life, attempting to do more in less time, as if our self-worth is tied to our productivity. Yet, how often have we found that this approach leaves us feeling even more empty and unfulfilled at the end of the day? We are inundated with technology and gadgets designed to simplify our lives, but instead, they often add to our burdens, leaving us with less time to truly connect with God.
In our haste, we often fall into the trap of conforming to the world's expectations rather than allowing God to transform us through the renewal of our minds.
“I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)
Another writer noted that the early church fathers saw society as a shipwreck from which any sane person must swim for his life. Yet, many of us are caught up in the riptide of modern life, being pulled away to our own ruin.
The nineteenth-century theologian/philosopher Soren Kierkegaard pointed out that life's constant busyness is like a charm, constantly seeking to ensnare younger victims and depriving them of the quiet and solitude necessary for divine growth.
In our endless pursuit of activity, for ourselves and for our children, we often trade a robust faith for a distracted and mediocre version of the faith. We've come to believe that following Jesus can be mostly done on the go and that spiritual growth can be fast-tracked. However, it is only when we intentionally carve out time to step away from our routines and to be alone with God that we truly begin to understand what it means to follow Jesus.
Somehow we've often, and perhaps unconsciously so, traded the profound wisdom that comes from waiting on God for the sheer quantity of information that is available at our fingertips. We've replaced the depth of understanding that comes with careful contemplation and consideration with a breadth of surface-level knowledge. In our search for spiritual maturity, we've come to expect it to be delivered to us instantaneously, like a fast-food order, rather than understanding and appreciating it as a process that takes time, patience, and personal growth. This shift in our expectations has led to a sense of dissatisfaction as we fail to find the depth of fulfillment we crave in the instant gratification that modern life offers. It's worth noting that much of the stress and frustration that characterize modern life can be attributed to our constant hurry, our incessant rush to move from one thing to the next without taking the time to pause, reflect, and truly absorb what God is doing or spend time with the One that purchased us for Himself.
One unfortunate side effect of failing to have times of solitude and “Sabbath” rest is that we can experience a state of exhaustion, sometimes referred to as "sunset fatigue." This state is characterized by being overly fatigued, drained, or preoccupied to such an extent that we struggle to genuinely love and cherish the people to whom we have made the most profound and deep-seated promises.
It's interesting to note that the constant rush of daily life can sometimes make us feel important as if we are indispensable to the world around us. The rush keeps our adrenaline pumping, creating a constant state of high alert that effectively prevents us from looking too deeply into our own hearts and lives. Such a lifestyle can serve to mask our underlying sense of spiritual emptiness, a sense that results from our steady, albeit unintentional, drift away from God.
While we may think that this constant hustle boosts our self-esteem and makes us feel more valuable, it is much more likely to prevent us from accurately mirroring the image of Christ within us. It distracts us from our spiritual health and well-being, which is an integral part of our overall health.
To maintain and promote our spiritual lives, it is necessary for us to "ruthlessly eliminate hurry" from them. (I know, I struggle with it, too.) The first step towards achieving this is through the incorporation of planned periods of solitude and “Sabbath” rest into our personal routines. This is the very rhythm that God set in creation order. The relentless demands of our busy lives serve only to drain our bodies, deplete our emotions, sap our spirits, and put an undue amount of stress on our souls.
This is why it is crucial for us to take a step back from the hectic pace, unplug from our daily obligations, and spend some uninterrupted time alone with God. By doing so, we allow ourselves the opportunity to deepen our spirituality, replenish our emotional reserves, and restore our sense of inner peace and tranquility.
Here are several compelling reasons to incorporate this kind of solitude into your life:
It allows you to hear God's voice more clearly.
It provides time for more meaningful prayer.
It serves to recharge your spiritual and emotional batteries.
It helps you gain a better perspective on life and avoid hurried decisions.
It prevents the development of a self-inflated ego by highlighting our dependence on God.
You might think, “How will I ever find time for this kind of solitude with all the things I have to do?”
Well, in the grand scheme of things, is there anything more vital and profound than dedicating unbroken, quality time to our Creator, God? It's a startling reality that most of us are allowing ourselves to be sculpted and influenced more by our daily planners, calendars, and endless schedules rather than by our Savior and the life-changing truths of Scripture. This trend is rather intriguing and even disheartening, as it seems we have somehow managed to carve out time in our hectic lives for nearly every other conceivable thing under the sun...except for our God, the One who gave us life in the first place!
