• Skip to main content
  • Account
  • Cart
  • Change Country

Insight for Living

The Bible-Teaching Ministry of Pastor Chuck Swindoll

  • Home
  • Broadcasts
    • Current Broadcast
    • Broadcast Schedule
    • Broadcast Archive
    • Series Library
    • STS Bible Studies
    • Ways to Listen
    • Sunday Services
    • Paws & Tales
  • Resources
    • Daily Devotional
    • Insights on the Bible
    • Insights by Topic
    • Article Library
    • Church Leaders
    • Church Resources
    • How to Know God
    • Chuck’s Next Book
    • Video Library
    • Reframing Ministries
  • International
    • About Vision 195
    • International Pastors
    • International Offices
  • Connect
    • FAQs
    • Contact Us
    • Social Media
    • Mobile App
    • Share Your Testimony
    • Bible Questions and Counseling
    • Pray for IFL
  • About
    • Essential Beliefs
    • Chuck Swindoll
    • Questions about Chuck
    • Leadership
    • Where Donations Go
    • Work With Us
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Store
  • Donate
    • Give Now
    • Give Monthly
    • My Account
    • Giving Through Stock Transfers
    • Planned Giving
    • Giving History
    • Why Give
    • This Month’s Letter
Home » Biblical Resources » Article Library » Solitude: A Vital Factor in Growing Closer to God

Helpful Links

  • FAQS
  • Contact Us
  • Social Media
  • Mobile App
  • Share Your Testimony
  • Bible Questions and Counseling
  • Pray for IFL

Article Library

Follow us:
Facebook
X
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest

Solitude: A Vital Factor in Growing Closer to God


By Pastor Chuck Swindoll


I often smile when I read the gospel of Mark. He loved the word immediately. It appears again and again. Mark reminds us that Jesus’s life was packed with people and pressure like you and I have never known. But he also records that “in the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there” (Mark 1:35).

Why did He do that? Was He a morning person? Not necessarily. Morning was the only time He could be alone. The next verses say they hunted for Him even then and when they found Him said, “Everyone is looking for You” (1:36-37).

A paraphrase would read “Jesus, You can’t stay out here by Yourself. Man, You’re needed back here!” But Jesus needed the solitude of that early morning talk with His father to filter things out—and my friends, so do we.

Solitude is good for us. Our natural tendency is to always have people around, always have stuff going on, but let me be candid: I’ve never learned anything all that significant in a crowd. I love to be with people, but solitude helps filter out the essentials and sift away the nonessentials. Life kind of makes up its mind in solitude.

If the truth were known, some of you live on the ragged edge because you continually deal with people, demands, expectations, children pulling at you, friends, schedules, and plans. You can’t remember the last time you spent absolutely alone. . . . I know whereof I speak.

Sometimes it’s a motorcycle ride for me. Sometimes it’s a long walk. But I’ll tell you, every time it happens, it’s deliberate. No one has ever said to me, “You need to get alone for a while.” No, this is a choice we all have to make.

I can just hear some of you wondering, “What do I do when I’m alone?”

I have found that one of the best uses of my time in solitude is keeping a journal. Webster’s defines a journal as “a record of experiences, ideas, or reflections kept regularly for private use.”1 I want you to consider keeping one too. You’ll find it keeps you from losing the best things you gain in your solitude, and that’s what draws you closer to God’s heart.

If you will allow me this final thought: You owe it to God, you owe it to yourself, and you owe it to those you love the most to make solitude a deliberate choice in your life. It’ll take an adjustment to your schedule, but it will make a meaningful difference in your life.


About the author

Pastor Chuck Swindoll

Pastor Charles R. Swindoll has devoted his life to the accurate, practical teaching and application of God’s Word. He is the founding pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, but Chuck’s listening audience extends far beyond a local church body. As a leading program in Christian broadcasting since 1979, Insight for Living airs around the world. Chuck’s leadership as president and now chancellor emeritus at Dallas Theological Seminary has helped prepare and equip a new generation of men and women for ministry.

More articles by Pastor Chuck Swindoll

Why Give?

Watch Video

Why Support Insight for Living Ministries

In this short video, Chuck Swindoll explains that Insight for Living can not continue financially without the generosity of loyal friends just like you.

A Timeless, Reliable Guide

Pastor Chuck’s five-message series delivered from the pulpit right before he retired has been compiled into a hardback book. Looking in All the Right Directions is a must-have treasure of wisdom on subjects dear to Chuck’s heart.

Footer

Insight for Living Broadcast

Whenever I'm going through something, your sermons/talks give me such strength to make it through the day. I listen most every day at work (with my headphones on) but I notice that it helps me stay focused and calm hearing you speaking the words that God wants me to hear for that moment in time. So again, thank you! —A.R. from Massachusetts

Help Us Impact Listeners’ Lives

Let’s Keep in Contact

Areas of Interest

Contact Permission

By clicking the "Sign up" button below, I am requesting to receive e-mail communications from Insight for Living, and I agree to allow my personal data to be processed according to their privacy policy.

Welcome

  • Our Mission
  • Chuck Swindoll
  • Essential Beliefs
  • Vision 195
  • How to Know God
  • The Book Shoppe & Coffee

Resources

  • Insights by Topic
  • Insights on the Bible
  • Article Library
  • Daily Devotional
  • Videos
  • Church Resources

Donate

  • Donate Now
  • Stock Transfers
  • Wills and Estate Planning
  • Why Support IFL?
  • Where Donations Go
  • My Donations

Contact

  • Contact Us
  • FAQs / Email
  • International Offices
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Rights & Permissions

© 2025 Insight for Living. All rights reserved.

Follow us:
Facebook
X
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest