Momentum For Monday, August 16th 2021

“And Jacob was left alone.” (Genesis 32:24a)

Being alone can be a dangerous thing. For some people, it is one of the scariest situations they can face. That's why solitary confinement is one of the most severe punishments in prison systems. As humans, we really were designed to connect and be in community.

Besides being potentially lethal, Scripture says that those who seek to isolate are said to be selfish and are not using sound judgement (Proverbs 18:1). Loneliness messes with your head. Do it long enough, and there can be serious long-term effects.

Now, I need to time-out a second. Let me explain one caveat. What I'm not addressing is quarantining. This current season produces another hurdle that we have to navigate wisely. While quarantining can easily be turned into isolation for us, we still have plenty of opportunity to stay in community and connection. I'm speaking to the more general issue beyond Covid. Ok, time-in.

I once had a mentor that would often say that, "Loneliness is God's cry for intimacy with you, but the way you're feeling in that moment is the way he feels all the time for you." This makes sense as a Christian, since we are truly never alone as the Spirit dwells within us, but the feeling can be hard to shake. So then, what is the proper way to face it? 

Jacob wrestled in his alone time. Even with an angel of God- one that would seem comforting to most. However, there's a stark contrast in the Gospels. Jesus would often seek to be alone to pray early in the morning (Mark 1:35). Quiet time alone with God or wrestling Him, either can make loneliness purposeful. Just don’t succumb in an unhealthy manner and allow it to deteriorate you.

The person who hates being alone and is restless, will risk not hearing God where they need it most. Others that seek continual solitude do so against sound judgement with selfish intent. Balance is necessary. If you need to withdraw from people, situations, or things, make sure that it is towards connection to God.

“Turn to me [Lord] and be gracious to me, For I am alone and afflicted.”

(Psalm 25:16)