Isolation

I think it's very common when going through difficult circumstances or devastating loss, we want to isolate ourselves from others.   We do this because we don’t want people to see us in our weakest state or because we are avoiding opening ourselves up for real and meaningful conversations because it hurts.  Allowing ourselves to become vulnerable is difficult.  Our instinct is to shut down in order to protect ourselves.  I’ve had people say to me, how do you handle so many people around all the time?  Or tell me they are not as brave as I am to be around so many people in my weakest moments. I have watched people I care for deeply exclude themselves from events to stay home by themselves.  I started reflecting on these things today.  Why it is that I am so open to accepting the love and support of others around me during the most difficult times of my life?  Don’t get me wrong, much too your surprise I fight the same fight you all do.  My instinct is often to close down and curl up in my bed and steer clear from everyone and anyone, however I know in my heart and mind that is completely unhealthy for me.  I often tell people if I allow myself to be consumed by the thoughts and feelings in my head that I would fall deeply into a dark hole and there may be no pulling me back out. Being surrounded by loved ones and fellow believers reminds me why life is still worth living and gives me a purpose. 

This is what I know as truth from God’s word; Christians should NEVER isolate themselves from other believers. People should NEVER isolate themselves from other people.  How do I know this?  Because I saw my son isolate himself and we all know how that turned out.  It’s not only dangerous but unhealthy.  How are we to expand God’s kingdom if we separate ourselves from other people? How are we to help others or allow others to help us if we seperate ourselves from our family and friends?  How are we to allow God to work through us for His glory and for the salvation of others if we separate ourselves from other people; both believers and nonbelievers? 

We are called to put others before ourselves.  Remember JOY?; Jesus, Others, You….This order gives us true joy in life.  Isolation shows selfishness and our spiritual growth will suffer because of it. God did not make us to be alone. We are all part of the body of Christ and we are told to have fellowship with one another. Would Satan rather come after a group of believers having fellowship and building each other up in Christ or would he rather come after a struggling loner? When we isolate ourselves we open up the door for Satan to attack our thoughts and mind.  Satan’s goal is to tear us down and make us believe we are unworthy.  Unfortunately he succeeded with Tommy but I will speak up against this so it doesn't happen to someone else.  We need to continually surround ourselves with fellow believers who will love on us and build us up when we are struggling through life’s difficult circumstances and at our weakest. 

Don’t believe me?  Listen to God’s words: 

Proverbs 18:1 One who has isolated himself seeks his own desires; he rejects all sound judgment.

Genesis 2:18 The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.