Are You Willing To Be Alone With Christ?

What would you think of a woman who constantly wrote and spoke about the man she loved, spent time with his immediate family members, and studied his love letters over and over—yet rarely spent time with him? 

We may laugh at the idea, but many women today fall into the same pattern in their relationship with Jesus Christ. In the multitude of women’s retreats and ministries, missions trips, church programs and events, Christian women lead lives so full of Christian clutter that there is little opportunity for deep relating with our God.

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The women among the first century believers had no retreats. No women’s ministries. No ladies’ luncheon. They probably met from time to time in an all-female setting, but there were no fees, no budgets, no guests speakers, no offered child care. How did they refresh their faith? 

The answer is simple: They were unafraid to be alone with God, walking out their faith in simplicity. With fewer voices vying for their attention, they could hear the still, small voice of the Beloved.

We sing “Though none go with me, still I will follow,” yet everything we do shows that we rely deeply on support from other Christians. And while fellowship with other believers is essential, it can also be turned into an unnecessary mediator between us and Christ. 

What would it take to make the words of that old hymn true for us? Can we envision a lifetime of thriving faith, without any special events or environments? Do we know how to relate to the Lord on our own? 

The Beloved is waiting. Will we go to Him?