By Shannon Caughey

As a coach, you have lots of demands on your time and lots of people looking to you for things. You often spend your days surrounded by voices and noise: when you’re in practice or a game, when you’re with family and friends, when you’re listening to music or watching something, when you’re in public spaces… None of these things are bad in themselves, but all the demands and noise can be spiritually distracting and even have a detrimental effect on your ability to grow closer to the Lord. Are you listening to God as he speaks? Are you experiencing his deeper restorative work? Are you reflecting on what he’s teaching you and how it applies to your coaching and life?

We’re continuing this series of devotions on spiritual practices that help us grow in our relationship with the Lord so that we live for him more consistently. There’s a spiritual practice that can counteract the potentially negative impact of the demands and noise of coaching and life: the practice of solitude. This is the habit of regularly removing ourselves from people and distractions in order to spend time alone with God.

In the Bible, we see Jesus engaging in this practice of solitude. The opening passage of Matthew 14 records how John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin, is executed by King Herod. Matthew 14:13 says, “As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone.” The crowds soon find out where he is and Jesus compassionately cares for their needs. But Jesus does not abandon his efforts to practice solitude (vv. 22-23): “Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.”

Jesus knew how much he needed uninterrupted, distraction-free time with his Father—especially as life and ministry got intense. We need this time alone with God as well: to pray, to read God’s Word, and to reflect. The practice of solitude leads to significant benefits. First, solitude cultivates deeper communion with God.When we step away from other people and demands—even for a brief time—we have a better chance of hearing God’s voice as he speaks to us through his Word and through his Spirit. We can give our undivided attention to the Lord, reminding ourselves of our complete dependence upon him and also that he is always present with us.

Second, solitude gives us space to reflect on God’s direction for specific situations. We all face situations that require more thought about what God would want us to say or do—such as a relational difficulty, a big decision, or an unexpected setback. When we’re on the go with lots of noise around us, it’s difficult to give these situations the reflection needed. But as we regularly practice solitude, there is space to seek God’s wisdom and guidance for those situations.

Third, solitude reminds us that we coach and live for an audience of One. There’s always pressure to believe we need to perform for the crowd or meet the expectations of others. Consistent time alone with God enables us to step away from these voices and demands so that we can refocus on the One whose perspective matters most. God reminds us that we are secure in his steadfast love and we find true joy as we coach and live for his glory.

The psalmist in Psalm 143:8 speaks of how important his time with God each morning is: “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.” As you also spend regular time alone with God, you can experience his love and direction through your growing trust in him and dependence upon him. The practice of solitude brings spiritual progress.

For reflection: What steps is God leading you to take to grow in the practice of solitude? Ask the Lord to help you spend regular time alone with him. Thank him for his gracious, loving work as you seek him.