Mark 1:35 – “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.” NASB

Several years ago, I spent months with intense hip pain.  It was a pain that did not have a definitive diagnosis.  The doctors were giving me no real explanations as to the root cause of the pain. The pain became persistent and at times acute.  I learned a much-needed new lesson through that alone time with God. 

I don’t know if you have experienced it, but many times friends and family proved to be physicians of no value.  They meant well and their words and actions are well-intentioned, they produce no comfort, give no answers, and only brought more questions.  I even had one person tell me, “Well everybody hurts.”  I tried numerous types of therapy, had X-rays, a C.T. Scan, saw several specialists, listened to explanations by radiologists, had adjustments, laser treatment, and tried water therapy, yet the pain and problem were persistent.  That continued for about four months. 

There were times I tried to tell myself, as did Paul, that the situation was a thorn in the flesh to keep me focused.  In those times, I would find myself saying, “Roy, shake yourself and tell myself to just deal with it.”  It did not take long for me to realize that this was not something to keep me focused but a physical issue that had a cause and an answer. 

I discovered that although I was normally good at communicating with others, I had difficulty getting people in the medical profession to comprehend what I was telling them about what I felt.  They listen but didn’t listen.  They looked at the reports, X-rays, C.T. Scans, treatments, and formed a conclusion before they even talked to me.  Once that came into the examination room, they would attempt to press upon me what they perceived to be the problem.  They did not often grasp the severity I was experiencing and would leave me without answers or solutions. 

Sometimes even sitting with a doctor I would feel that I was in a room by myself and completely alone.  Pain is a strong enemy to health, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, psychologically, and relationally.  It can become a virtual “prison” and must be addressed either by receiving relief or learning how to manage it.  Otherwise, it will become the dominating factor in our thinking. 

My only solution to this problem was found in the “alone time” with God.  I discovered that when I was alone with God I was not alone!  I know that the one who made this body knows exactly what is going on and exactly what to do.  Even more importantly I know that He will never leave me nor forsake me NO MATTER WHAT! 

I have had issues with my back for years.  I have some malformations in my spine that I’ve had from birth.  I have degenerative discs and joint disease, arthritic symptoms, conditions, and signs, inflammation of tissue, possible nerve damage, etc. yet no real plan on how to address those issues.  I have learned to roll this on the One and Only One who “truly knows” exactly what the situation is and what to do about it. 

Over these months of excruciating pain, I learned afresh and anew the value of “alone time” with God.  Not so much me talking and telling Him my troubles but sitting in His presence listening.  There would be times when I sensed that He was cradling me in His loving arms and comforting me through His presence.  I renewed my appreciation for His word and being sensitive to the “still small voice” of the Spirit of God.

I knew that although I did not know what the final outcome in the natural would be, I knew that I knew that “in God”, I am Never Alone and would Never Be Forsaken.   I know that when I am alone with God I am not alone! 

I pray that the Holy Spirit will enable you to have some “alone time” with God today.  Blessings!