Why did Paul prefer to go on foot? And how may we account for his desire to go alone?

There are times in every man’s life when he wants no comrade on the road with him. A precious part of our Creed is “I believe in the communion of saints,” but, after all, it is not in such communion that we have the closest fellowship with God in Christ. It is in secret that we learn the secret of the Lord.

It was in the eerie solitude of Bethel, and in the gray dawn by the ford Jabbok that Jacob was granted visions of God.

It was when he was alone in the silent desert that Moses was shown the burning bush and received the Divine commission.

It was when Joshua walked unattended under the stars by the wall of Jericho that the Captain of the Lord’s hosts stood before him.

It was when Isaiah was alone in the Temple that a live coal touched his lips.

It was when Mary was alone that the angel brought to her the message of the Lord.

It was when Elisha was plowing his lonely furrow that the prophet’s mantle fell upon his shoulders.

Noah built and voyaged alone. His neighbors laughed at his strangeness and perished.

Abraham wandered and worshiped alone; Sodomites smiled at the simple shepherd, followed the fashion, and fed the flames.

Daniel dined and prayed alone.

Jesus lived and died alone.

Ah, it is good to go “on foot” sometimes, when even our nearest and dearest go by another road. For when we are alone we have a better chance of One joining us, and making our hearts burn while He talks with us by the way.

I love the lonely creative hours with God. MADAME GUYON

When storms of life are round me beating,

When rough the path that I have trod,

Within my closet doors retreating,

I love to be alone with God.

What tho’ the clouds have gathered o’er me

What tho’ I’ve passed beneath the rod?

God’s perfect will there lies before me,

When I am thus alone with God.

Alone with God the world forbidden,

Alone with Him, O blest retreat!

Alone with God and in Him hidden,

To hold with Him communion sweet.