The Issue of Isolation

Did you know that young people are the fastest growing group of lonely people in the world?

Its true!

Research shows that there are more lonely people out there than we think. We have all this technology, in our homes, schools and in our workplaces to keep us in touch with others and create channels to interact and connect, yet many people continue to feel lonely...

For that reason I have chosen to blog about "Isolation and Loneliness" this week. Two state of minds that are frequently rooted in rejection and criticism. They are fashioned by emptiness, a loss of some sort, pain and sometimes even geographical factors. Such feelings are tied to depression and emphasise the absence of an emotional connection.

We then attempt to fill that void with food, other substances or acts that are perceived to make us feel better about ourselves. And they may offer us temporary happiness but they cannot substitute God's place in our lives. 

If we ever had to put the construct of loneliness and isolation under a microscope, we would find that such notions are frequently misinterpreted. Loneliness actually develops over a period of time, when fellowship is unfulfilled. Tim Hansel once said that, "Loneliness is not the same as being alone". In essence, it is FEELING alone, regardless of the number of people around us. It is a product of emptiness deep within which is often a result of a perceived lack of love. Therefore it implies a deeper, hidden pain. And can occur regardless of one being in a relationship, when the 'closeness factor' dissipates. When individuals feel detached and cut off from others or experience deception. The devil seeks to convince us that we are entirely alone but we need to resist falling for such lies.    

Whereas isolation (aloneness) on the other hand, refers to separation from others.

You can be (emotionally) alone without being lonely, such as being surrounded by a number of people yet you may still feel alone.

In some instances we have to change our perception of isolation. Understand that it is not always such a bad thing. I know that the idea might sound strange at first but it can actually be used to separate us from the world so that God can have our undivided attention and use us for a greater purpose.

Let us briefly look at a few individuals that encountered isolation themselves:

- Joseph, David and Paul  

All three men had their lives re-aligned as a result of their circumstances.

Joseph was taken away from his family and became one of the most powerful men in the world of his time. While David embodied strength. God protected him even when he was running away from Saul. He reminded him of His presence. The same goes for the Apostle Paul. He experienced trials in prison yet he still displayed great courage as he found comfort in knowing that God was by his side.  

- Jeremiah

He had his share of great sorrow. He was criticised by Israelis and the people of Judah for boldly speaking up about rebellion an unbelief. Rejected by his friends and family (Jeremiah 12:6). And he was grief-stricken however, in the wilderness he learned to: 

Dig a little deeper.

Develop and strengthen his relationship with God.

Embrace a new season in his life. 

- And last but not least, Jesus

He was taken into the wilderness for forty days and forty nights without any food or water. He was alone during this time, yet he persevered during his time of testing.

Notice any similarities amongst these men?

They were never truly alone. 

God was always present. He used their position to lead and guide others Is that not comforting?

And If there is one thing that I have learned from disconnection myself, is that it may be time to prune a few things in our lives. Give our hurts over to God for healing. Allow God to satisfy us with His unfailing love (Psalm 90:14) and break a few barriers.

Here's how we can unlearn the art of falling prey to negative thoughts and the lies of the devil:

1. Identify your loneliness and meditate on the fact that God is with you, always (Matthew 28:20). That's assurance right there as He “sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). 

2. Pray

Talk to God. This is one powerful antidote to loneliness. You can cry out to Him. He is available at any time of the day. He can satisfy your deepest needs as His compassion never ends (Lam 3:22). 

3. God has put particular people in your life that you can reach out to as you overcome 'shyness'. Genesis 2:18 states that it is "not good for man to be alone". Therefore it is good for you to reach out to other believers. They can encourage you and pray for you. 

I love what Henri Nouwen has to say about the matter, "Healing begins with taking our pain out of its diabolic isolation". Therefore, fellowship is the key. We need to develop real friendships as God wants us to share our lives with others.

So when you are feeling like an outsider or alienating others (or yourself), why not run to the well and fill your lifegiving cup? 

Go ahead. Psalm 68:6 says that "God places the lonely in families...gives them joy". I think its quite comforting to know that there are people God places in our lives and they become 'blood relatives' as they treat you like one of their own.

So, you no longer have to continue to face life or obstacles alone. You can allow God's love to fill every area of your life as you embark on a lifelong companionship with Him and those who care about you.

- Mel ♡♥♡