Surrounded!

Loneliness and feelings of isolation are common among Americans in 2024. In spite of technology that allows us to be wired into the world, about a quarter of adults under the age of 40 report having NO close friends. Loneliness at the other end of life, in old age, is even more prevalent among those who are no longer in the workplace or who have lost spouses and/or friends to death. It probably comes as no surprise that all kinds of mental health issues can arise in isolation.

The denial of meaningful human contact can cause ‘isolation syndrome’, with symptoms including anxiety, depression, anger, cognitive disturbances, paranoia, and even suicide. Our need for human interaction is so basic that solitary confinement in our prisons is often used as a disciplinary measure and the threat of being in a cell, alone, for 23 hours a day, is often enough to bring about compliance.

Christian, whether you are 8, 18, 48, or 88 - I want to remind you of a fact - YOU are never alone! 

Jesus promised "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:16-18, NIV)  

David rejoices in the wonder of the omnipresence of the LORD. "Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" (Psalm 139:4-7, NIV)  Oh that you and I would remember that HE surrounds us, not in a threatening way, but as a protector, for our comfort.

There is a story from the life of Elisha, the prophet of Israel, that helps me grasp the promise. Elisha, by the Spirit, was given knowledge of the enemy king’s movements and tactics, becoming such a threat that the Syrian king commissioned his intelligence to locate the prophet.  When he was found in the village of Dothan a battalion was sent to kill him.

Seeing the troops drawn up around the town, Elisha’s servant was filled with terror.  But, the prophet could ‘see’ what the servant did not. Look at this passage! “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." (2 Kings 6:16-17, NIV)

When we feel isolated or alone, when we are under siege from temptation, trial, hardship, or loss - let’s pray for eyes to see, a heart that knows the Presence of the Lord, Who is always near, always there.

Remember, there a real difference between finding time to be solitary, to pray, reflect, and understand life better and being alone. Jesus often withdrew from the company of His disciples to pray. We must learn to find time to be alone with God though it can be a huge challenge when we are always in the company of a cell phone,  interacting at all hours of the day with friends and family.  The boundaries between work and rest are blurred for millions who are expected to be ‘on call’ nearly 24 hours a day. Our televisons tend to be a source of noise (mistaken by millions for ‘comfort’) and our world becomes increasingly chaotic, leaving us feeling alone in a crowd! 

Cultivate the habit of finding time in the quiet, of listening to the ‘still, small voice’ of the Spirit.  And, yes, it may be obvious, but I’ll say it anyway - work at creating strong bonds with other Believers, in times of regular worship and service. Those deep relationships will be a treasured resource in your life.

Feeling alone? Fact is, you are surrounded by the Presence of God. Lean into that, by faith. Pray to know the warmth of God’s embrace, letting Him love you.  “The reality of God’s presence is not dependent on any place, but only dependent upon the determination to set the Lord always before us. Our problems come when we refuse to bank on the reality of His presence. The experience the Psalmist speaks of—“Therefore will we not fear, though. . .”—will be ours when once we are based on Reality; not the consciousness of God’s presence but the reality of it—‘Why, He has been here all the time.’”  Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

Here is a word from the Word. "O Israel, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case? Have you never heard or understood? Don’t you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:27-31, NLT)

(Video of this blog at this link)

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 Just A Closer Walk With Thee

I am weak but Thou art strong

Jesus keep me from all wrong

I'll be satisfied as long

As I walk let me walk close to Thee

 

Just a closer walk with thee

Grant it Jesus is my plea

Daily walking close to Thee

Let it be dear Lord let it be

 

Through this world of toil and snares

If I falter Lord who cares

Who with me my burden shares

None but Thee dear Lord none but Thee

 

When my feeble life is o'er

Time for me will be no more

Guide me gently safely o'er

To Thy kingdom shore to Thy shore

 

Jack Schrader

© Words: Public Domain