In the wake of the Kroger, Target, and other crime incidents earlier this month, I read a lot of reactions on line regarding how many people in our city no longer feel safe to leave the house. Many proposed the questions of “What is wrong with our city?” and “What is this world coming to?”. I don’t know if these frightened people really hid out at home or if they still are, but I do understand their reaction.
I personally have not avoided these hot spots. It is next to impossible to keep me out of Kroger and Target. I also attend an exercise class in the Target lot and my dentist is in the Kroger shopping center. My routine has not been interrupted by fear of criminal activity, but I HAVE isolated myself at home because I was afraid of other things.
I have experienced many a fear that isolates. I have chosen to lock the doors and pull the covers up to my neck because of embarrassment, insecurities, and unwillingness to engage during difficult times within my family. I have hidden out at home because of exhaustion and disillusionment. Have you? Have their been times in your life that you have isolated yourself because of fear? Are you aware that this fear is from the enemy and by giving into it, you are being robbed of purpose and joy?
I was studying John 20 this week and discovered that the disciple, Thomas isolated himself after Jesus’s crucifixion.
“One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin),[a] was not with the others when Jesus came.” John 20:24 (NLT)
The Bible does not say why Thomas was missing, but we do know that the other 10 disciples (Judas had already hanged himself) were present. We know that after the crucifixion, they were all confused and afraid and we know that Jesus’s death changed everything for them.
It doesn’t seem like a stretch to assume that Thomas might have been afraid for his life or that he might have felt like he had lost his identity or sense of purpose. He could have been insecure about what he was supposed to do next or he might have been exhausted and without any compulsion to engage with other people, but whatever it was that isolated him, it kept him from something wonderful. He wasn’t there when Jesus came. Thomas had spent 3 years following Jesus around, listening to him teach and witnessing his miracles, and his world was rocked by Jesus’s death.
When there is trouble and people are afraid, there is a temptation to isolate; it appears that Thomas gave into that temptation and missed the amazing experience of reuniting with his risen Savior. He had to wait 8 more days before Jesus visited the group again. (John 20:26).
You and I were put on this earth to glorify the Lord, to enjoy Him and to love others. We cannot do that if we give into a fear that isolates us from others. I don’t know if you are afraid or what you are afraid of, but I do know that Satan uses fear to keep us from fellowship and purpose.
We must use common sense and stay away from danger, but we also must realize when fear is misplaced and used as a tool of the enemy to rob us of joy.
Our greatest moments of joy don’t happen in isolation. We were created for relationships with The Lord and with others. Take a minute to remember a joyous time you experienced. Who were you with? What did you do? Why do you remember it? It would really bless me if any of you would share one of those memories in the comment section below.
In closing, please be encouraged by claiming these truths:
“But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.” Psalm 59:16 (NLT)
“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”” Romans 8:15 (NLT)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
Have a Joyous weekend! XO c