Personal Solitude Time With God
LENT DEVOTIONAL 2026 | DAY 10
Luke 5:12–39 (NIV)
By Cheryl Seow, President, Women’s Society of Christian Service
READ:
Luke 5:12–39 (NIV)
Jesus had a busy ministry. He demonstrated Godly authority to forgive sins as a priority, heal the sick, and call people to follow Him. Many clamoured to hear Him speak, in need of His healing touch. Jesus befriended sinners and outcasts in society, such as the leper and tax collectors. Jesus also challenged the legalism and exclusivism of the Pharisees when confronted on why Jesus’ disciples did not fast.
In spite of His busyness, Jesus maintained a sacred rhythm of spending time alone with God. He often withdrew from people, to solitary places to be in private communion with God. Examples of this can be found in multiple parts of the Bible, including Luke 4:42, Luke 5:16, and Matthew 14:23.
While I am in no way equating the busyness of my life to that of Jesus, reading today’s verses reminds me of my own busyness. As soon as I started my career, and started a family, I quickly discovered that I had no time for “self care”, let alone “God care”, i.e. investing time and effort to work on my relationship with God.
I struggled to find the right balance to juggle work, family responsibilities, and church responsibilities. This culminated in me taking a two-year career break. During that period, I learnt to:
1. rest, both physically and spiritually;
2. recalibrate my priorities;
3. invest in relationships;
4. release certain emotional baggage and struggles; and
5. find a renewed sense of God-centred purpose in life.
I am glad that this year’s theme is Sabbath rest. It is mandatory, not optional, for me. In terms of spiritual rest, I find myself better recharged and reconnected with God through my own solitude time with God. This includes daily reading and meditating on God’s Word and journaling, prayer walks, and lectio divina. I do not do these with sheer self-discipline; I have my church community to keep me going. For example, in 2025 and this year, my small group embarked on the daily reading of God’s Word and sharing of daily reflections. That has not only helped to keep me accountable, but has resulted in deeper authenticity, and more intentional sharing among the group.
[ Reflection Questions ]
1. To what extent do you struggle to balance work, life commitments and being rested in God?
2. Try having personal solitude time with God, while meditating on today’s verses. Reflect on how God has spoken to you through these verses.
3. In this Year of Sabbath Rest, what is the one thing you would change to be more rested in God?
