Lessons from King David on Loneliness and Isolation
Social isolation is real. The pain of disconnection and loss of community can feel like being locked into a cage. Right now with social distancing and our world in chaos, loneliness is growing.
Perhaps you’ve experienced that cage growing smaller and feel the isolation becoming ever more constricting.
When David was trapped in that cage of isolation, he experienced normal responses to enforced solitude. He became downhearted. Discouraged. Lonely.
Because of King Saul’s insanity, trying to survive, David had to flee from his home and position in society. He lost his wife, his best friend, the company of men he led, and his good name. Deep loss brings grief and loneliness. Unexpressed, it turns into despair and hopelessness.
Perhaps you have experienced the darkness of loneliness David went through. Perhaps you are just entering a time where everything familiar seems to have ended.
The enemy of your soul is jealous of you. Because of that, he wants to:
- Steal your Peace.
- Kill your Joy.
- Destroy your Hope & Communion with God and others.
Have you ever been so overwhelmed, you wished you could escape?
Engulfed by feelings of loneliness, the pain becomes overwhelming. Longing to escape, you may even wish you could die.
Drawn to feelings of loneliness, as you rehearse those thoughts, your brain changes. And your identity changes. Loneliness is more than a feeling. It can grow to be a mindset, to become your reality, and to shape your identity.
Loneliness is written into your DNA. That genetic expression means even when surrounded by people, you feel lonely, disconnected and unloved.
There’s a Better Way
David learned to talk to his soul. It works!
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? & why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance” (Ps 42:5).
The word help in Hebrew means health! Victory, salvation.
David grieved before the Lord. He even verbalized his belief that God had forgotten him. As he spoke with the Lord, the toxicity flooding his brain and his DNA halted as he poured out his emotions.
In God’s presence, after grieving, he remembered God’s goodness. Able to think with clarity, the loneliness and despair loosened their stranglehold as healthy thoughts filled his mind.
Speaking again to his soul, he concluded, “I will praise You (God) for the health of my countenance” (Ps 42:11, 43:5). David made a choice to turn from loneliness and discouragement to praise.
It wasn’t easy. It didn’t happen in a moment. There was a cost as he bowed before the Lord and allowed all the anger and fear to be expressed.
Be encouraged. Like David, you have an incredible brain. God equipped your spirit with all you need for life.
He sees you and He cares about your sorrow. He has promised to always be with you. No matter what virus or difficulty you are facing. No matter how isolated you are or how difficult things become.
Will You Take the First Step?
- In Jesus’ name: Shut the door to negative thoughts.
- Confess your sins to the Lord. Be cleansed by the blood of Jesus.
- Speak truth to your soul. Claim a verse to walk with.
- Sing & praise the Lord. You are hidden with Christ in God.
- Worship Jesus – He is worthy of your adoration.
Make a verbal declaration:
Lord, if this be from Thee, I accept it.
But if it be from Satan, I refuse it. J.O.Fraser.
Or:
The LORD is my strength and song; He is become my salvation.
I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
Psalms 118:14 & 17
Dear Heart,
Take courage! Loneliness need not have the final word.
Remember, the battle is the Lord’s! When Jesus arose from the grave, He conquered whatever you are facing.
Bring your thoughts captive to Jesus.
Go to the Heavenly Father – as if He is good and kind (because He is!). Did you know He loves to show mercy? Pour out your pain and grief before Him; then make the will choice to praise Him in the midst of your pain.
One final thing. Rather than listening to the media and focusing on all the frightening things that might happen, choose life! ”
“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent & worthy of praise.” (Ph 4:8)
May the God of peace hold you close to His heart and keep you safe in these turbulent days.
David grieved before the Lord. As he spoke with the Lord, the toxicity flooding his brain and his DNA halted. In God’s presence, he remembered God’s goodness. Thinking with clarity, the loneliness and despair loosened their grip.
