Devotions for Kids Dealing With AnxietySample

Learning to Sit With Ourselves

Some people like being alone more than others. Some of us love being around lots of people. And some of us are a little bit of both. Do you feel energized after spending time alone or after spending time around people? Sometimes it can feel like we are super connected, especially with the internet, FaceTime, and social media. However, there can be limitations to online connections because it means we are often missing the true presence of other people.

You know that presence where you can read someone’s body language, see their facial expressions, look into their eyes, and even kind of feel their emotions and respond in real time? Although these things may be missing in online interactions, I have no doubt that true connection is still possible—if we are being our true, authentic selves. Either way, learning to sit with ourselves is a skill we must learn and one that Jesus demonstrated in Scripture. As we see in today’s verse, Jesus often sat by Himself, away from others, and turned to His Father.

Sometimes it feels scary to sit with ourselves and be alone. Remember that alone doesn’t necessarily mean lonely, especially because God is always with us whether we ask Him to be or not—although I think He likes it when we invite Him to be with us.

When you are alone, do you feel lonely? Does this bring up more anxiety for you? How can you turn to God with that anxious, lonely feeling?