It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book, yet we fall prey to it time and time again. At least, I have.
The enemy whispers a number of cold-hearted lies. Like you aren’t worthy, you’re a failure, and you’re this and that sad thing. Ultimately, that you don’t matter.
Then, we believe them.
Repeat after me if you like. “These lies I’m believing aren’t true and I refuse to agree with you anymore Satan. I am bought by the blood of Jesus Christ. I am His and He is mine. It’s time for you to go now.”
{Feel free to dance a jig if that’s your thing. Or shout & scream. I’m not going to tell anyone.}
As we give credence to the things Satan says, we stand in agreement with the enemy of our souls.
And that’s when the trick plays out more fully. It starts with accusations & moves into isolation. We close ourselves off from others around us, physically and/or emotionally. We even close ourselves off from God, emotionally & spiritually.
We begin to believe we are alone. And that’s right where the enemy wants us.
We could be around others day after day. We could engage in fun and laughter and even talk of spiritual, righteous things and still remain distant because our hearts are closed.
Maybe our hearts even become hardened and in need of the Master’s chisel and shaping hands.
Maybe we don’t trust anyone else to know the things about us which lie below the surface smiles and the part everyone plays when we say, “How do you do?” “I’m fine. How about you.” And more of the same.
Maybe we’re ashamed of the thing we did or the thoughts we thought. We’re afraid of how they’d respond, to these deeper things.
What about the pain, the hurts, the anger, and the bitterness? All the ugly soul nasties. Who wants to know? Who would care?
Sometimes it’s true, others really don’t want to know. Because they’re not ready to hear it. Because it’s hard. Because they don’t know what to do with it. Because it’s not safe to bring them in.
Even so, when we choose to reject opportunities at every turn, without taking tentative steps forward, how will we know whom God has for us to connect with? It may be that they are just as scared as we. Just as unsure. Putting up just as much of a facade.
Have you begun to think you’re the only one? The only one who knows the pain you’re in or the challenges you face? Or, have you thought you know it all? Maybe, you’ve got it figured out so no one else can help you even if they tried?
Been there. Fell flat in that.
Sometimes our pain and our knowledge keeps us from drawing near to the heart of the Father and the ones he holds dear. In community. In safety. In love.
At the end of the day, there is only one who loves perfectly. Only one who never ever leaves, no matter how many mistakes we make or how ugly our hearts seem to be.
Isolation, real and perceived, is the enemies tool to keep us from experiencing how known and loved we are by our heavenly Father.
His love casts out fear.
His love is always near.
Because, dear one, if you are a believer in Christ, you are never truly alone.
Oh, we think we are. And we think we want to be. We believe that if it is to be, it is up to me.
And He whispers. Again and again. With arms open wide.
Come dear child. I am always at your side.
You are not alone. Never were. Never will be.
Click here for more on loneliness.
Click here for a beautiful song to meet you right where you are when you feel alone.
~~~~~~~~~ GIVEAWAY CLOSED~~~~~~~~
Inseparable (an inScribed Bible Study)
Join me for #31DaystoBelieve as we continue to pursue what we believe and how it impacts our lives.
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May we learn to #livewell.
with love,
Jolene
Oh this study sounds so good, I’d love to read it!!
I am so excited that we are doing this on THE SAME DAY! Jolene – I can’t thank you enough for your support 🙂 Love you, girl!
I have never heard of Inscribed. I am eager to learn of more resources for Christian content. It is a blessing to know that resources continue to grow for us to expand our knowledge of faith application. Christ is not dead…He is a living Light in each of us.