Alone in the Desert
To grow in grace, we must prioritize solitude and make time for quiet hours of prayer and reflection.
Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the importance of solitude and prayer in growing in grace, highlighting how the soul often makes more progress in one quiet hour of prayer than in days spent in the company of others. He encourages taking time apart from the busyness of the world to find strength and rest in God's presence, sharing that God knows our victories, failures, hopes, and fears, and offers His love and sustenance to those who seek Him.
Text
"And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place" (Luke 9:10).
In order to grow in grace, we must be much alone. It is not in society that the soul grows most vigorously. In one single quiet hour of prayer it will often make more progress than in days of company with others. It is in the desert that the dew falls freshest and the air is purest.--Andrew Bonar
"Come ye yourselves apart and rest awhile,
Weary, I know it, of the press and throng,
Wipe from your brow the sweat and dust of toil,
And in My quiet strength again be strong.
"Come ye aside from all the world holds dear,
For converse which the world has never known,
Alone with Me, and with My Father here,
With Me and with My Father not alone.
"Come, tell Me all that ye have said and done,
Your victories and failures, hopes and fears.
I know how hardly souls are wooed and won:
My choicest wreaths are always wet with tears.
"Come ye and rest; the journey is too great,
And ye will faint beside the way and sink;
The bread of life is here for you to eat,
And here for you the wine of love to drink.
"Then fresh from converse with your Lord return,
And work till, daylight softens into even:
The brief hours are not lost in which ye learn
More of your Master and His rest in Heaven."
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Being Alone
- The Benefits of Desert Solitude
- The Invitation to Come Aside
- Rest and refreshment in God's presence
- Converse with God and His Father
- Sharing joys and sorrows with God
Key Quotes
“It is not in society that the soul grows most vigorously. In one single quiet hour of prayer it will often make more progress than in days of company with others.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Come ye yourselves apart and rest awhile, Weary, I know it, of the press and throng, Wipe from your brow the sweat and dust of toil, And in My quiet strength again be strong.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Come ye aside from all the world holds dear, For converse which the world has never known, Alone with Me, and with My Father here, With Me and with My Father not alone.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Make time for quiet hours of prayer and reflection to grow in your faith.
- Be honest and open with God, sharing your joys and sorrows with Him.
- Prioritize solitude and rest in God's presence to find inner peace and quiet strength.