The Quiet Call

Spiritual Exercise: Solitude (wk. 6/13)

Reading: 1 Kings 19:1-18

The great deception of fitness is that while we appear to be improving ourselves, we may actually be running from something motivated by our fear. Fear hides in the corners of the gym, masked by sweat, progress, and discipline. Yes, even the girl who can deadlift twice her body weight and the guy who swears by keto for his six-pack abs have experienced fear. The illusion is this: because the gym is considered "healthy"—we’re burning calories, eating more kale, and socializing with friends—no one questions that we might be using it to isolate ourselves.

Our fear of rejection is pacified by leaderboard rankings at our CrossFit gym or SoulCycle class. Our fear of failure is quieted by mimicking influencers who preach that if you're sleeping, someone else is crushing it. Our fear of aging is hidden behind the latest skincare routine and surgery or the newest, most flattering spandex apparel. But none of these things truly free us. What we really need is to stop running in isolation and start seeking God in solitude.

Just as a gym-goer can hide in their workouts without ever addressing the deeper struggles of insecurity, a Christian can hide in the church without ever truly seeking God and knowing him. We can recall God's promises and believe we have balance in life, but when fear creeps in—whether through loss, setbacks, or misplaced identity—we often retreat into old habits or distractions.

Elijah knew this well. He had witnessed God’s power firsthand, calling fire down from heaven and proving Yahweh's supremacy over Baal. He had seen miracles, yet when Jezebel threatened his life, fear overtook him. He ran, not just physically but spiritually. He isolated himself, believing he was alone and abandoned.

After running to the wilderness, Elijah found himself in a cave, exhausted and desperate. God did not chastise him for his fear. Instead, He asked, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" Then, rather than speaking through wind, earthquakes, or fire, God spoke in a still, small voice.

God doesn't need to speak to us in loud, dramatic ways, but in quiet moments when we stop running long enough to listen. The gym, like many things in life, can be a deceptive comfort zone. It gives us the illusion of control, but it can also serve as an escape. Solitude, however, is different. Solitude is where we stop escaping and start embracing God's grace for us and allow him to speak to our fear.

The key is knowing the difference:

• Isolation is fear-driven; solitude is faith-driven.

• Isolation hides from God; solitude seeks Him.

• Isolation avoids; solitude confronts.

When we choose solitude with God, we create space for Him to remind us of who we are. We don’t need to run in fear; we need to be still and listen. Because when we fear God more than our circumstances, we finally see the path ahead of us clearly.

Is your fear leading you away from God or drawing you closer to Him? God is stronger than your fear. He wants to speak with you in the quiet silence of solitude.

Questions for Reflection:

What causes you to isolate yourself?

How does God speak to you?