The Power of "Slipping Away" and Disappearing: Why Your Silence Can Be More Powerful Than Your Presence

In John 2:23-25, we see a powerful example of Jesus' "slipping away" when He withdrew from the crowds after performing signs. “But Jesus did not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person” (John 2:24). Jesus recognized that human praise is fleeting and shallow, and He did not allow Himself to be swayed by the temporary admiration of others. Instead, His focus was unwavering—on fulfilling God's purpose, not on gaining the approval of the crowds. This lesson extends beyond church leaders and applies to all believers.

As followers of Christ, we are called to find our identity and purpose not in the opinions or praise of others but in God's will. 

Jesus knew that people’s hearts could be fickle, and their loyalty could change at any moment. He shows us that we must guard against allowing ourselves to be defined by the applause of those around us. Our worth comes from God alone.

As 1 John 3:1 reminds us,

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" 

Our validation comes from Him, not from the ever-changing approval of others.

This theme is also echoed in John 6:15, where, after the miracle of feeding the 5,000, the people wanted to force Jesus to become their king. Yet, Jesus understood that their idea of kingship was not aligned with His divine mission. Rather than yielding to their expectations, “Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself” (John 6:15). His retreat wasn’t just physical but spiritual; Jesus took time away to pray, realigning His will with the Father’s plan.

He teaches us that we, too, must not be 
swayed by the desires or expectations of others.

Even in moments of success or external pressure, we must retreat to seek God's direction and purpose for our lives.

In Luke 5:16, we find that “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” This pattern of retreating for prayer was essential to Jesus' ministry, ensuring He remained focused on God’s will and mission. For Jesus, prayer wasn’t just a momentary pause; it was a way of staying rooted in His Father’s plan. This practice of seeking time alone to pray is a model for all believers, not just leaders.

Just as Jesus withdrew to strengthen His connection with God, we too must make time for retreats of prayer. These moments are essential for aligning our hearts with God’s will, building our faith, and gaining clarity and strength to carry out our individual callings.

The practice of withdrawing for prayer and seeking God's guidance is not limited to church leaders or those in positions of influence; it is a vital discipline for every believer. Whether we are facing difficult decisions, navigating the pressures of daily life, or simply seeking to stay grounded in God's will, time spent in prayer and retreat helps us stay focused on our true purpose.

"Slipping away" is not your golden ticket to ghost everyone and call it 'holy solitude.' Jesus didn't vanish into the wilderness just to dodge responsibilities—He withdrew to connect with the Father, not to binge-watch the clouds or avoid the disciples asking, "What’s for dinner?"

So, before you pack your bags for a one-way trip to 'Disappear-ville,' remember: slipping away is about intentional time with God, not abandoning your job, family, or that pile of laundry.

It’s not divine justification for dropping off the grid; it’s a reset button for your soul, so you can show up better for the life you're called to live.

Withdraw with purpose, not for escapism. Because if Jesus could pray and recharge without skipping His mission, so can you.

The principle of retreating to seek God's guidance and align with His will is not unique to Jesus. Throughout Scripture, many other individuals demonstrated the importance of retreating for prayer, solitude, and communion with God. Here are a few notable examples:

Moses

Moses frequently withdrew to be alone with God, especially when making crucial decisions or receiving divine direction. One of the most significant moments was when he went up Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19:18-20:1). Moses often sought solitude to hear from God, and God would speak to him in these moments of retreat. In Exodus 33:7, we see Moses setting up a "tent of meeting" outside the camp, a place where he could seek God’s presence apart from distractions.

Elijah

The prophet Elijah also found retreat vital for spiritual renewal. After facing immense opposition from Queen Jezebel, Elijah fled into the wilderness, feeling discouraged and alone. In 1 Kings 19:4-9, he withdrew to a remote area and encountered God in a still, small voice. This retreat was a time of both physical and spiritual renewal, and it reaffirmed God's guidance for Elijah’s mission. Elijah’s withdrawal for rest and renewal is a powerful example of how even the most zealous of God's servants need time alone with God to regain strength and direction.

David

David, the man after God’s own heart, often withdrew to the wilderness or quiet places to seek God’s guidance. Many of the Psalms reflect his times of retreat, where he poured out his heart to God in prayer and worship. In Psalm 23, he speaks of the Lord being his shepherd who "leads me beside still waters," a metaphor for God's guidance in moments of rest and solitude. In times of trouble, David would withdraw to prayer and seek God's protection and wisdom (Psalm 27:4-5, 1 Samuel 22:3-4).

Paul

The Apostle Paul also practiced retreat for prayer and spiritual renewal. After his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul spent three years in Arabia, where he sought God's direction and understanding of his calling (Galatians 1:15-18). He took time away from ministry to reflect and align with God's purpose before fully entering into his missionary work. Paul frequently sought quiet times of prayer and reflection during his ministry, especially when facing difficult decisions or crises.

John the Baptist

Before beginning his public ministry, John the Baptist lived a life of solitude in the wilderness. Matthew 3:1-4 describes him living in the desert, preparing for his mission of baptizing and proclaiming the coming of the Messiah. This time in the wilderness wasn’t just physical solitude but also a spiritual retreat, where John aligned himself with God’s call on his life. His retreat into the wilderness mirrors the pattern of quieting oneself to hear from God before stepping into public ministry.

The Disciples

The disciples, too, learned from Jesus’ example of retreat. After the death of John the Baptist, Jesus invited His disciples to come away with Him to a quiet place to rest (Mark 6:30-32). They had been busy with ministry, and Jesus recognized the need for them to take a break, away from the crowds, to rest and reconnect with God. This moment of retreat was important for their physical and spiritual renewal before continuing their work.

Mark 6:30-32 says: “The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” (Mark 6:30-32, NIV)

Hannah

In the Old Testament, Hannah, the mother of Samuel, also demonstrated the practice of seeking God through prayer and retreat. She prayed earnestly for a son, and her prayers were answered after she withdrew to the temple to pour out her heart before God (1 Samuel 1:9-18). Her example teaches us the power of seeking God in deep prayer when facing personal struggles, demonstrating that retreat for prayer is an intimate way to align with God’s will and receive His answers.

Jesus in Gethsemane

Besides the retreats noted earlier, Jesus also retreated to the Garden of Gethsemane before His crucifixion. In Matthew 26:36-39, Jesus withdrew with His disciples to pray, knowing the suffering He was about to face. He sought God's strength and guidance in this moment of deep sorrow and anguish, praying, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” His retreat in Gethsemane illustrates the importance of seeking God’s will, even in the most difficult and challenging times.

The practice of "slipping away" retreating for prayer, communion with God, and realigning with His will is a vital discipline demonstrated by many throughout Scripture. From Moses, Elijah, and David to Jesus and the Apostle Paul, these individuals knew the importance of stepping away from the pressures and distractions of life to seek God’s guidance.

As believers, we too are called to this practice. Just as Jesus often "slipped away" and withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16), we must prioritize time alone with God to ensure that our actions and decisions are rooted in His will. Whether we are facing ministry challenges, personal struggles, or simply seeking clarity in our lives, retreating for prayer allows us to realign with God’s purpose and grow in our faith. It’s not just a practice for leaders—it is a necessary part of every Christian’s spiritual life.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your word and how it guides us each day. In the busyness of life, I often find myself overwhelmed by the demands of others and the noise of the world. In Jesus name, teach me to withdraw, as Jesus did, to seek You above all else. Help me to discern when to step away—not in avoidance, but in pursuit of Your presence and guidance.

Lord, I long to hear Your voice in the quiet places of my heart. Show me how to prioritize moments of stillness where I can lay my burdens before You, realign my spirit, and find renewed strength. Remind me that withdrawing is not weakness but wisdom—a holy pause to anchor my soul in Your truth.

Help me resist the pull of constant approval from people or the fear of missing out. Let my retreat be a declaration of trust in Your provision and timing. Teach me to find joy and rest in You alone, so I may return to my responsibilities with clarity, purpose, and peace.

Jesus, You often withdrew to lonely places to pray, staying aligned with the Father’s will. May I follow Your example, finding balance in both connection and solitude. As I withdraw into Your presence, pour out Your grace and refresh my spirit, equipping me to walk faithfully in Your calling.

In Your name, I pray,Amen.