What Does the Bible Say About Retreat?

You’re helping coordinate the next women’s retreat at your church—or maybe you’re thinking about going. You may be wondering, “What does the Bible say about retreat?”

The Bible points to the principles of a retreat in passages about …

Physical rest
Focus on God
Reflection and Restoration
Connection with other believers

In Psalm 23, David describes his Good Shepherd leading him to a time of restoration in a restful environment. We also know from John 10 that Jesus is our Good Shepherd. Like Martha in Luke 10, we sometimes need to put regular work aside and focus on God. And like Jesus’ disciples in Mark 6, we need to pause to reflect on our varied experiences and to be restored. Finally, like the early church members in Acts 2, we need intentional time with each other.

The Word Retreat

The word retreat means withdrawing—often to a quiet, natural setting—for the purpose of safety, privacy or spiritual meditation. Biblical principles point to why women’s retreats are important.

But first, what exactly is a women’s retreat? A women’s retreat is a time set aside for Christian women for the purpose of focusing on God, reflection, restoration and connection with other believers. This time includes components such as worship, Bible study, and shared meals and activities.

Bible Passages about Retreat

Many Bible passages speak to the principles and purposes of a retreat. Note the characters, situations, needs and principles in the following passages.

Downtime in a Restful Environment

A closer look at the language of Psalm 23 calls to mind vivid images of God leading a believer away for a period of rest. The Lord is his Shepherd who makes David lie down in green pastures and leads him beside quiet waters. Was David reluctant to lie down because of conflict and stress? Time in a calm, natural setting restored David’s soul.

Put Work Aside to Focus on God

Most women can relate to the story of Martha’s frustration about never-ending work. Jesus didn’t devalue Martha’s hard work, but He did say Mary chose what was better—spending time with Him. Women need a reminder to sometimes put regular work aside and focus on their relationships with God.

Pause to Process and Be Restored

What does the Bible say about a group of believers taking time away together? In Mark 6:31, Jesus told his disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Just before Jesus announced their retreat, the disciples had given him a report about their successes in ministry. But they had also likely heard that John, Jesus’ cousin and predecessor, had been beheaded. Their jumble of emotions may have included excitement, hope, grief and fear. They were also hungry and exhausted. Verse 31 adds this detail: “Because so many people were coming and going … they did not even have a chance to eat.”

Many Christian women feel a lot like the disciples. Coming and going at the expense of your own basic needs? Check. Finding the needs of others around you requires more than you can give? Check. Joy for the good things mixed with grief over terrible losses? Check. Exhausted? Big check.

Although Jesus’ plans for a time away together were shortened by the pressing needs of the crowd, Jesus cared about the disciples’ needs and mixed emotions. He cares for women’s needs, too.

We Need Each Other

The Bible also speaks to our need for community. Acts 2:42 describes the activities of a group of new believers: Bible teaching, fellowship, eating and praying together. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to encourage one another, and Romans 12:15 tells us to rejoice and mourn together. Women’s retreats speak to these examples and commands.

God knew this life would be troubled and we would need set-aside time to rest, reflect and encourage one another. Whether you are attending or planning a Christian women’s retreat, pray that God will fulfill his purposes through the retreat.