“If two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:19-20 NIV.
I pray that you avoid “Separation and Isolation.”
As I write this devotional, I have felt a lingering concern in my heart and spirit. My concern has stretched across a lengthy season, resulting from a worldwide pandemic. With costly investment and cooperation from numerous nations, this virulent virus now seems to be diminishing among the population yet remains worthy of vigilance.
Across challenging months, we were not allowed to gather outside our own home and family. Businesses closed. Schools closed. Entertainment venues closed. Restaurants closed. Public transportation stopped. Congregations were not permitted to gather for any reason: not worship, nor prayer. Personal interactions were limited to digital connections only.
And now, for almost two years we were encouraged to wear masks and avoid crowds as much as possible. In lesser but significant ways, some of the international community are still dealing with virus restraints that disrupt social engagement. The lingering aftereffect may become worse than the previous social isolation and may be even more significant than the startling warnings that birthed and continues this odd and extended season.
You may find yourself feeling cautious when around people you don’t know. However original the natural source may have been, my concern has a deeper effect that piques my curiosity. Daily life has been significantly impacted, and not for the better. Families are not certain about what may await themselves and their neighbors. The symptoms of those concerns are fear, suspicion, distrust, and especially loneliness.
Separation and isolation have become the limiting aftermath of the prior season in our nation and broader world. Separation from your usual companionship of others results in emotions of isolation. Isolation generates negative emotions resulting from extended seclusion.
As always, God’s Word provides guidance and understanding. Let’s begin at the beginning. In the beautiful and luxurious Garden of Eden, God first created Adam. I find it significant that God then created Eve. The Bible has much wisdom for us, teaching us fundamental truth and unchanging principles. God wisely established desire for families, friends, and daily interactions.
At Creation, God established an abiding principle of community as first importance. He created Adam and all of nature and then then observed, “It is not good that man should be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”.” Read Gen 1-3 NIV. Then God created Eve, who would become the companion and complement to Adam.
“Then the Lord God made a woman and God brought her to the man.” Notice Adam’s approving response, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman.” Genesis 3:22-23 NIV. This introduces the principle we intend to explore. I hope you will share this journey alongside me and invite friends to join us in our study of the .
Our Creator clearly established that it is not good for anyone to be truly alone. God created you to need and enjoy others and be enjoyed. That truth was established in Eden, continues throughout history, and will be yours and my eternal joy. With wisdom given from God, Solomon explained the practical reality that, “Two are better than one . . Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Read Ecclesiastes 4:8-12 NIV. We will continue our study of these verses and multiple Biblical references to this practical principle.
My prayer for you today is that you walk in obedience to God’s Word.
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