Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION
28 Aug 2026

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭35‬ ‭

In one of the darkest seasons of my life, uncertainty weighed heavily on my heart. I could not see clearly what lay ahead, and questions filled my mind. When human wisdom seemed insufficient and the way forward uncertain, I found myself turning increasingly to God in prayer, seeking His presence, strength and direction.

Mark 1:35 became especially meaningful to me: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.”

Despite the demands surrounding Him, Jesus intentionally withdrew from the noise to spend time with His Father. If Jesus made prayer a priority, how much more do we need that quiet place with God?

During my own struggles, I began seeking God in the early hours of the morning. I brought Him my fears, frustrations and uncertainties. I did not always receive immediate answers, nor did my circumstances suddenly change. Yet something began to change within me. As I prayed and waited upon Him, His peace gradually replaced my anxiety, and His presence gave me strength to face another day.

Through His Word, God reminded me that I was not walking through the valley alone. Even when I could not see the whole path, I could trust Him for the next step. Prayer did not remove every difficulty, but it changed how I walked through them.

Looking back, I realise that some of my darkest moments became sacred places of encounter with God. What seemed like a season of uncertainty became a season in which I learned to depend more deeply upon Him.

We all need our own “solitary place.” Amid responsibilities, pressures and distractions, we need intentional moments to withdraw, pray and listen.

Time alone with God is not a luxury reserved for peaceful seasons. It is often in our darkest hours that we most need the quiet place where His presence renews our strength, settles our hearts and gives us courage for the next step.

“Prayer may not immediately change our circumstances, but it changes us.”‬‬