Isolation and Loneliness: Two Problems, One Solution ​- Spiritual Nugget 32

Under Old Testament law, whenever people had a sore on their skin, they were brought before the priest for examination, declared “ceremonially unclean,” and isolated for seven days. (Leviticus 13:4-5) In today’s environment, someone exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19 is isolated for an average period of fourteen days.

Certain businesses, retail establishments, services, parks, beaches, and churches have been in “lockdown” in the last several months. Feelings of isolation have become common. These feelings are often expressed as, “I feel remote or secluded, as if I am in darkness, hidden from everyone.”

The companion to these feelings is loneliness. “I am all alone, solitary, and miss being around people. Everything seems bleak, desolate, and hopeless.” Psalm 25:16)

There are any number of situations that can cause feelings of isolation and loneliness. Have you ever had an experience of a near-death auto accident or getting the news of a family member having Stage 4 cancer or of a child being born as a “crack or A.I.D.S.” baby or received notice that a family member or friend contracted or died from COVID-19? Feelings of isolation and loneliness are part of your emotional package and can easily be triggered by fear, which we know is false evidence appearing real. This means those feelings can be dealt with in a way that gives them less power over your daily life.

The degree of your feelings of isolation and loneliness will be influenced by your personality, which typically can be fun-loving or optimistic, easy-going, calm and relaxed, or controlling and purposeful. What we all seek is a solution to these feelings. Like all long-lasting responses to life’s stressful situations, the answers are inside each of us.

The first step to overcome the “stuff” is to check in with God through prayer. There is no stigma or embarrassment in prayer. It’s personal; you can be yourself. Prayer is not a cowardly act, but it does require a “childlike” attitude. Prayer does not require your feet or your hands or even your eyes. But you will need your voice and tongue to make your request. There is no charge for making your petition, and He always hears it. However, here are some important steps you might want to be committed to while you are waiting for an answer to your request:

• Faith-- know that He is present, even if you cannot see His face. BELIEVE! (Hebrews 11:6; James 1:6)
• Trust that He is always faithful. We breathe His air every day and enjoy His daylight so we can carry out our daily plans. He gives us His nighttime for peace and rest. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
• Have confidence He wants to bless you despite how your situation looks. His plans are always for your good even when the clouds look as if they are going to bring more rain. He cares about your present and your future. (Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 34:10)
• Ask for strength to wait on His answer. Sometimes He takes a little while to move. Everything is not microwave-fast. Bringing God’s best might take time. (Isaiah 40:31; James 1:4)
• Imagine your prayer request as a seed you just planted, for example, a row of peas: Peas (peace) of mind, peas (peace) of heart, peas (peace) of soul. Do not worry! (Matthew 6:25-34)
• Be immovable and steadfast in believing that He loves you just as you are. You are on God’s easel, “fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)
• Be joyful, laugh, listen to music, share a hug with someone so they can share one with you, pray for someone else.
• If what you are praying for is not God’s best for you, don’t expect an answer. (James 4:3)

Whatever you do, do not murmur and complain!

Isolation and loneliness are not and never have been, part of God’s purpose for you. Isolation and loneliness are not and never have been, part of God’s future for you. Prayer is His solution to ensure that you receive the eternal plans He has for you.

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