When things get difficult, the easiest thing for me to do is to isolate myself. In fact, my go to reaction is to retreat and be alone with thoughts. Why? It’s usually because I feel one of the following:
- My problem is unique and no one can help me
- I don’t want to “bother” anyone with my problems.
- Everyone else’s life is perfect and mine is not.
I know these reasons are not true and irrational, but this is where my mind has gone for a long time. And as a result, for many years I felt isolated, ashamed, and full of anxiety because I could not share my burden with others.
But God has revealed to me in the past few years that encouragement, healing, and the answer to my prayers are found in the context of community. The community of believers that I surround myself are meant to help in my times of difficulty. They are a source that God uses to help ease my burden, walk with me through the challenges, and often direct me to a resource that can help. But when I stay isolated, I can fill my mind with so many negative thoughts and fears that can lead me spiraling downward.
This problem is not new. All throughout scripture the enemy has found a way to feed our thoughts of defeat when we are in isolation.
Look at the prophet Elijah. He had just come off a spiritual high when he stood before the prophets of Baal and watched God send down fire from heaven and consume Elijah’s sacrifice, while the prophets of Baal’s altar remained untouched. Elijah goes from that miracle to going into hiding because he heard that Jezebel was trying to kill him.
And in his isolation he tells God to take his life and let him die.
How did he go from the highest high to the lowest of lows? He let his fear of Jezebel led him to isolation, and there he allowed negative thoughts to convince him that the world would be better off without him.
When the angel of the Lord visits Elijah, he tells the angel that he is the only one prophet left that serves the Lord. But the angel tells him no…there are 7,000 more in Israel who have not bowed to the prophets of Baal.
Elijah’s isolation convinced him that he was truly alone. But the angel of the Lord instructed him to go back from the place he had run from to go back and finish the work that God had for him to do.
My friend, as difficult as it may be, please don’t let the enemy convince you that you are alone and that no one understands. There is so much good that comes from being honest and transparent with those you can trust.
There is love, healing, and accountability to be found in community. Connect with those that God has put in your life. Share with them your burdens and I believe that you will find freedom and healing like you have never had before.
~ Vijoy
Photo by Rosie Fraser on Unsplash
