I Want To Be Alone ∙∙

I Want To Be Alone ∙∙

He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and He began to teach them many things. – Mark 6:34

Matthew 14:13-14

Now when Jesus heard it, He withdrew from there in a boat, to a lonely place by Himself; and when the multitudes heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities.

And when He went ashore, He saw a great multitude, and felt compassion for them, and healed their sick.

Greta Garbo’s Iconic Solitude

Greta Garbo is perhaps best known for her iconic line, “I want to be alone,” from the 1932 Hollywood classic Grand Hotel. In 2005, the American Film Institute ranked it as the 30th most memorable movie quote of all time. In the film, Garbo delivers the line in three different tones: first, as a desperate plea to her maid and manager, “I want to be alone”; then as a mournful cry; and finally as a resigned declaration to a stranger, “I just want to be alone.”

This sentiment seemed to mirror Garbo’s personal life as well. Throughout her career, she was known for avoiding reporters, film premieres, and fan mail, cultivating an aura of mystery. In a 1955 LIFE magazine interview, she clarified the often-quoted line, saying, “I never said, ‘I want to be alone.’ I only said, ‘I want to be let alone!’ There is all the difference.”

One of the most iconic images of Garbo was a portrait taken by C.S. Bull to promote her film Mata Hari. The photograph, with her hands framing her face, her hair elegantly swept back, and her eyes cast downward, perfectly captured her enigmatic persona. It epitomized her as distant yet dignified, a solitary figure radiating an almost divine grace, a goddess in her own world.

Seeking Solitude in Times of Adversity

When faced with challenging circumstances, individuals often respond in one of two ways: some retreat into solitude to reflect and regroup, while others seek comfort in the presence of others. A poignant and seemingly tragic moment in the Gospel of Matthew illustrates this contrast. Herod Antipas had executed John the Baptist. For the Lord Jesus Christ, John’s death, though foreseen, was a profound loss from a human perspective. As cousins, they likely shared a close bond from childhood. Even before John fully understood Jesus’ messianic identity, he hesitated to baptize Him, acknowledging His extraordinary authority (Matthew 3:13-17).

The Humanity of Jesus – His Response to Grief

Matthew 14:13: “As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat for a remote area to be alone.”

This verse reveals the humanity of the Lord Jesus Christ. As the God-man, He was both undiminished deity and perfect humanity in one person. At this moment, His human need for solitude and reflection is clear. Jesus often withdrew to be alone and pray, as seen elsewhere in Scripture (Matthew 14:23). These times of solitude were not just for rest but also for reflection, comfort, guidance, and focusing on communion with the Father.

Larry Chouinard notes, “The day’s events . . . sent Jesus to find solace in communion with his Father.” Similarly, Charles Stanley observes, “Jesus spent a good deal of His time alone with God in prayer. He made this a practice not only to make requests of His Father, but even more to stay in close fellowship with Him and enjoy His company.”

Compassion for the Multitudes

Although Jesus sought solitude, the crowds pursued Him, eager to be near Him. His response to their persistence gives a deep insight into His emotions and motivations. Seeing their condition, He was greatly moved with compassion. Mark 6:34: “They were like sheep without a shepherd.”

The Greek term splagchnizomai, translated as “compassion” or “moved with compassion,” conveys an “intense, visceral feeling of empathy and pity,” “his insides were stirred up” (UBS). Splagchnizomai is derived from splagchnon, which “literally refers to the internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver, or intestines.” In ancient Greek thought, these organs were considered the seat of emotions, particularly of deep feelings such as love, compassion, and mercy. The English word spleen is derived from the Greek word splagchnon.

Despite His own grief and need for rest, Jesus placed the needs of the crowd above His own, exemplifying profound empathy and care.

A Teachable Moment

This moment also served as a valuable teaching opportunity for the disciples and, by extension, for all children of the King. To truly understand the character and mission of Jesus, we must try to see others through His perspective. As Chouinard wisely states, “We must learn to see the ‘crowds’ through the eyes of Jesus and take personal responsibility for their needs.”

REFLECT & PRAY

Luke 5:16: “The Lord Jesus Christ often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” During His public ministry, Jesus had no home of His own. Matthew 8:20: “He had nowhere to lay His head.” To find solitude, He had to intentionally withdraw from people.

Father, it is easy to postpone having a special time with You. Please help me reconfigure my thinking so that You are part of my daily routine.

INSIGHT

The Importance of Solitude with the Father

During His time on earth, the Lord Jesus Christ often withdrew to spend time alone with the Father. If He, in His perfection, sought moments of communion, how much more do we, children of the King, need these intentional times of connection? Commonly called “quiet times,” these periods of prayer, reflection, and meditation on Scripture allow us to step away from life’s distractions and demands. This focus helps us to concentrate completely on our relationship with the Father.

Creating a Space for Quiet Time

Following the example of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are encouraged to step away from the world’s noise and busyness to make room for intimate fellowship with the Father. This space doesn’t need to be elaborate or far away. It can be a simple, quiet, comfortable spot inside our homes where interruptions are kept to a minimum. Ideally, it should be a private, distraction-free area, free from family members, electronic devices, or media.

In this peaceful, reflective, personal space, we meet with the Father in a personal and intentional way. It is during these moments that He often provides guidance, encouragement, and clarity for the journey ahead. A quiet time usually involves reading the Scriptures, contemplating their meaning, and praying. While the length of time may vary, it should allow for meaningful meditation on God’s Word and sincere prayer about the thoughts and concerns on our hearts. These moments also present a great opportunity to memorize Scripture and hide it in our hearts.

Integrating Quiet Time Into Daily Life

For many, quiet time naturally becomes part of their daily routine, often serving as a key element of the morning. Just as important habits like brushing teeth or making breakfast set the tone for the day, dedicating intentional time with the Father can become a foundational practice that influences our mindset, priorities, and actions. This time of communion not only grounds us spiritually but also helps us face the challenges and demands of daily life with more clarity and purpose.

However, it’s important to understand that building meaningful quiet time doesn’t happen overnight. Like any significant relationship, it requires deliberate effort, patience, and consistency. Developing this habit involves making space in our schedules, avoiding distractions, and approaching the practice with an open and hopeful heart. Over time, as this discipline becomes habitual, the joy, peace, and fulfillment gained from spending focused, personal time with the Father will turn it into a treasured part of our day, something we look forward to and depend on for spiritual renewal and guidance.

Quiet times offer a meaningful opportunity to deepen our relationship with the Father in a truly personal and intimate way. Through these moments of reflection, prayer, and communion, we move beyond simply knowing about Him to truly experiencing His presence, character, and love. As we grow in understanding and see His faithfulness and grace, our love for Him deepens, cultivating a love that is not only heartfelt but transformative. This growing intimacy shapes our faith, strengthens our trust, and draws us closer to a more vibrant connection with Him.

Prioritizing Time with the Father

If we find ourselves too busy to spend time alone with the Father, it clearly shows that our priorities need to be reevaluated. Quiet time isn’t a luxury or an optional activity but a vital practice for spiritual growth and building a deeper connection with God. By deliberately reorganizing our schedules and making time for this practice, we realign our lives around what truly matters, our relationship with the Father, the foundation of everything else.

Quiet time isn’t about striving for perfection or sticking to strict routines. Instead, it’s about creating a space where we can be still and open, letting God speak into our lives. It’s a moment for renewal, clarity, and cultivating a close intimacy with the One who knows us completely and loves us unconditionally. These moments of communion refresh our spirits, guide our steps, and anchor us in His presence.

This also highlights the delicate balance between solitude and service. Although Jesus often withdrew to spend time alone with the Father, He never neglected the needs of those around Him. His ability to serve others with compassion, even in times of personal grief or exhaustion, shows the depth of His love and the selflessness of His character. His example challenges us to prioritize time with God while staying attentive to others’ needs, embodying both devotion and service in our daily lives.

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© Dr. H 2026