ALONE WITH GOD

 ALONE WITH GODI remember being threatened as a child with aloneness as punishment. It meant I would be alone with my thoughts, and maybe the dark forces would come and catch me. But, by some stroke of fortune, I never experienced the threatened eeriness of being alone.Instead, I discovered it as a divine gift, my time to be in tune with my inner self and God, my creator. It was time to ask all my questions without the fear of being shut down. It was my opportunity to be face-to-face with myself and dig into the areas I was not keen to share with the world. (Be careful what you threaten a child with, you might just be unlocking some hidden treasures)As an adult, now heavily involved with mission work, I recall one occasion when I travelled to the mission field at Koma Hills Nigeria, Halfway through the trip, the vehicle broke down. It was the season when Boko Haram held sway and I was in their zone in the middle of nowhere in the wee hours of the morning.It was just me and the driver who could hardly speak English. Being late at night, there was no retreating and staying put was too dangerous. After a few hours of bemoaning my fate, I remembered that I had not spoken to God about it. I took a few steps away from the vehicle and cried out to God. I reminded Him I was on the assignment He gave me, and I did not want that night to be my end.  I said a few more things that are best left to anyone’s imagination. When I was done and could feel a sense of calm, I returned to the vehicle and requested the driver to start the car. He refused at first but eventually agreed. To both our relief, the car started and we could resume the journey. My lesson is that God does answer the desperate cry of His children.Time alone could be a day at the beach, just watching the waves; a walk in the garden; a morning at the spa, a night alone in the woods; a room in the house, a corner in the office, a chair; a spot in the park; wherever you get it or however you create it, you need time alone with God. It can be the sound of rushing waves, the melody of the birds singing the praise of their maker,Jesus took time out; look what came out of it: He saved the whole world. Take time to be alone with God, and ask questions, the disciples did, and they got answers, keys to life's mysteries. Wrestle like Jacob; you might get a change of name.When we come apart, nutty issues become easy.What Benefits Accrue from spending time alone with God?1. It allows us to think and be in tune with ourselves and our Maker2. It engers growth as every time spent in prayer and meditation nevers leaves us in the same position. We get to know God and by nference, ourselves.3. We are able to organise our thoughts, and focus on what matters thereby making better decisions invariably turning our lives around4. Where there is pain of any sort, aloneness allows us to process and put things in perspective thereby fostering inner healing5. Spending time with God and His word, we gain joy, peace and receive comfort for any issue plaguing us.6. Alone times helps us reflect on our values and beliefs and where necessary, adjust or change them7. When we spend time alone, especially in nature, we better appreciate God and His benevolence in dealing with us humans8. when we spend alone times, we are better equipped to serve our relationships It is wisdom to have regular times whn we withdraw to be properly aligned with our maker. It engenders proper self development and overall well being. If we are at peace with God and ourselves, we will are better able to relate to folk around us.Beloved, take time to be alone with God. Jesus had regular times when He withdrew Himself from the crowd and the city buzz. He always comes back with power.For Further Study: Psalm 86:17, Mark 1:35-41, Psalm 46:10, Genesis 32:24, Daniel 10:7 – 10, Matthew 17: 1- 9,  Genesis 45:1-7