overcoming isolation – Larus Press

Every single person has a need to belong. A sense of belonging is fundamental to humanity — the sense that someone (or several) loves us, yes, but also that we are known by others and belong in a group. Whether it is found in family, in friendship groups, in church, with close colleagues, we all need to feel we belong.

Those who suffer loss will grieve that loss; but those who have a circle around them of close people with whom there is mutual trust and love, are comforted by the sense of belonging to a larger group. Belonging is an essential part of our mental health, our spiritual security and even our physical well-being.

Do you know someone who is isolated? What can you do to draw them into your circle?

Do you see someone isolating themselves? How can you draw their trust, hope and confidence?

Jesus had friends: the many disciples, the twelve, the three: concentric circles of human contact.

Pets help cover our isolation. The Father draws us to Him through Jesus by Holy Spirit. But we are made, created, designed for fellowship.

Genesis 2:18 reads, “And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.””

Even though GOD created man for relationship with Himself, He knew man needed companionship of His own kind.

We are made to have fellowship with GOD and other people. If you suffer from a sense of “not belonging”, can you identify it, and can you find a way to draw fellowship to you? Volunteering, putting yourself ‘in community’, accepting invitations when they are offered, not imposing your will but praying for opportunities, are all ways to become a part of a group.

Food, alcohol, television and their relative counterparts all cover up or temporarily block our sense of isolation. GOD brings comfort when we spend time with Him. Conversation with others helps. But what we all really need is a sense of emotional and intellectual intimacy that stimulates us and gives us a sense of mutual attachment and belonging. It is what each and every one of us needs.

GOD always makes a way, but we need to be open to His way. And since every one of us needs to belong, can we take care of one another? I’d like to encourage us all to be aware that some of us may be missing this crucial aspect, missing that sense of belonging in our lives, and not know how to find a place to belong without help and encouragement.

Every blessing,

Sarah

Have you ever been at a party and felt completely alone? Or at a family banquet and had no one you felt you could talk to beyond superficial chatter? I certainly have.

All of us, at one time or another, have felt the sting of loneliness. Whether as a forced shut in because of ill health, or in surroundings where others are literal strangers, or feeling so distant in perspective or viewpoint from others around me, I have sometimes felt unable to relate to or to confide in people nearby.

Loneliness is something to be aware of, to recognise it in our neighbours, and to be especially on the look-out for those who may be all alone. I’m learning to look out for people around me whom I don’t know. They live nearby but are either too busy or too reclusive to engage in conversation. I want to be better able to offer friendship when I spot someone who is isolated and alone. I want to be aware so I can choose to bless others, as part of my mission as a follower of Jesus.

But what if the person who is isolated is me — or you? Sometimes we might feel it is impossible to reach out. It is important then, to remember that, always we have Jesus. We who know him are never truly alone.

We all need human contact; we were created for relationship. But remember, our relationship with Jesus means that he is always near. Drawing close to him is a great comfort. When he was on the cross, Jesus was surrounded by others; and yet, he was utterly alone; he understands our needs and wants our fellowship. Time spent with him – in the Word, in prayer, in worship – is time spent in good company. No one likes to be alone all the time. But when our circumstances isolate us, we can remember he never leaves nor forsakes us; drawing near to him assures us that he will draw near to us (James 4:8).

May you be blessed in Jesus’ company at all times, whether you are by yourself or in the company of others.