Spiritual Hunt: Solitude & God’s Presence
by Mike Killebrew
I have enjoyed deer hunting for many years after being introduced to it as a young adult. I’m not a hardcore enthusiast, but I like to protect a weekend each year during the season to go spend some time in the woods. I like several aspects of the experience. I enjoy the people that I often go with, most frequently my brothers. I usually camp and I like that. I like early mornings and the opportunity to watch the sun rise and set. I like the changing of the seasons, and deer season in Indiana is usually in the middle of that change. I like hearing stories after the hunt. I like being in the woods, and I like a good venison steak cooked over an open fire. The list of why I like to hunt is much longer but I really want to write about why I love to hunt.
What I love about hunting is the quietness and the solitude. To experience what most would call “success” in a deer hunt requires carefully planned-out solitude. Apart from having my son with me when he was little, it’s a one-man experience, most frequently for hours on end. I, along with many other hunters, have said that a successful hunt isn’t defined by whether I see a deer or not. What’s important to me is the opportunity to spend some time with God, alone. Don’t misunderstand, I like to come home with a prize and some tasty freezer meat, but that is only a bonus. It is gravy on the mashed potatoes. The substance of the experience, and what fills me up with lasting effect, is the intoxicating experience of being reminded of who I am in Christ in the quiet and solitude.
There is something special about solitude, and it doesn’t have to be while hunting or in the outdoors, but for most of us, it does require some planning. It is a formative experience to be alone with God, giving the Holy Spirit time and space to do some deep work in our inner world. When we remove the distractions of life and spend alone time with God, our heart, mind, and soul become more open to listening for, and receiving, God’s goodness. When there isn’t anyone present to watch you, hear you, or judge your words and actions, the Spirit of God brings us face to face with the things we tend to hide or camouflage. It is in these moments that we can remove the mask and set aside any false self.
It is in these moments when we are alone with God that He reminds us of the basics of our relationship with Him. He accepts and forgives, receives and shows much love. He restores our identity—an identity that has been given, not earned. He is the only one watching in those moments, and because of His omniscience, we can concentrate on who we are meant to be. We find the truth of who we are in Christ.
Solitude is a discipline worthy of our pursuit.
Jesus modeled it for us. He began His ministry in solitude. It was in the 40 days of solitude that He faced down the temptation of self, and He solidified His identity as the Son of God. In the three years of His ministry, we see Him return to solitude multiple times. He did it for a reason then, and it was recorded for us to read about 2,000 years later for other good reasons.
We need to practice the discipline of solitude.
I read a stat that only 6% of the American population hunts. So, chances are high that you don’t connect with my hunting example. I don’t always get to connect with God during hunting, and it is only once a year, so there are other ways I must seek to intentionally practice the discipline of solitude. I’d like to ask a couple of self-reflection questions.
Where can you go to be uninterrupted? What is the most logical way for you to make that place a regular stop amid the hectic disruptiveness of life?
How can you go to that place more often?
Do you need to eliminate something to plan more alone time with God?
What daily activity do you have that could be used in a more purposeful way by dedicating it to the Lord as a time of solitude?
As we reflect on the profound experiences and lessons solitude can offer, I challenge you to intentionally carve out time for this spiritual discipline in your own life. Whether it’s a quiet corner of your home, a nearby park, or simply a moment of stillness in your day, find a space where you can be alone with God. Let the Holy Spirit work within you, revealing truths and restoring your identity in Christ. As Jesus modeled, let solitude be a time to face down distractions and embrace who you are meant to be in Him. Commit to making this a regular practice and watch how it transforms your relationship with God and enriches you.
What steps will you take this week to incorporate moments of solitude into your routine? How will you create space to be alone with God and listen to His voice?
