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I want to talk now about a different kind of isolation. Think of it as wandering in uninhabited territory, yes, but not in a natural setting. I alluded to this issue in last month's newsletter, but I wanted to revisit it because it's coming up in most of my chats these days on needhim.org.
Recently, I heard this: "I'm lost. I don't know what to do. And I feel distant from God." Those words came from a young man in college. He had a sincere faith but had fallen prey to a bad habit, which had left him empty and alone. He was at a loss for what to do about it.
How many of us feel the same way at times? We slip off track then lose sight of the rails. Climbing back up doesn't seem as simple or straightforward as sliding away did.
The problems I hear each week may be different, but I've learned that I need to ask the same key follow-up question: "Are you connected with a body of believers?"
The answer, invariably, is "no." Respondents aren't even sharing their challenges with a like-minded and trusted friend - because none is there. Left to their own ruminations with only an electronic screen to keep them company usually makes matter worse.
There's a remedy for this phenomenon of social isolation. It's a preemptive strike against the enemy of our souls. And whether or not one espouses faith in God, the way to regain lost ground is similar.
Arrest the isolation.
Find community - we all need it. And we've traded it out at and for our own convenience. At the same time, our society has dissed the very places that offer hope and reconnection with people. Churches have been painted shut with the broad brush of souls betrayed by scandal and hearts drenched in apathy.
But not all places of worship are the same.
Isolation delivers not one but two blows. Not only are loners - even couples - missing out on the advantages of connection with others, they're denying those other people the benefit of relations with them.
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