Facing isolation

Intro:
It’s been a busy time ministering alongside Pastors and Leaders. It’s stretching. But also, so rewarding.

Opening Prayer:

As I sit Lord beside the beach, the wind is ‘blowing a gale’ like the winds of adversity that are howling against me. Despite the beautiful sparkle of the sea and the soothing rhythm of the waves on the shore, there’s so much opposition against me, I can’t seem to make any headway.

Lord help me in my testing time, help me in my isolation.

Amen.

Bible verse –
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?
My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭22‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Reflection –
Surrounded by the beauty of the sea and the wonder of a sunrise, all we can sometimes feel is the isolation, and loneliness and all we see is adversity and opposition.

Have you had times when you feel that it’s just you against the world? That there’s no one in your corner? I have. I’ve had times of deep isolation and stress. I’ve had times of feeling I’m alone.

But I didn’t stay there. In the tears, in the overwhelming time, the sun rose, and just a little hope began again.

And then I reached out for support. First I cried out to God, like David in this Psalm.
Then I was reminded of God’s faithfulness, like Psalm 22 unfolds. God is there. He is upholding me. I’m not alone.

And then I reached out for help from a few very close friends. But I realised, I needed to widen my circle of friends. To create a circle of support.And I did. What about you?

Have you had those times of isolation and being overwhelmed? Those times of desperation. Perhaps you’re there right now.

Prayer –
God, in my desperation I cry out to you.
I know you are there, even when I don’t feel your presence.

Even when I don’t hear your voice or sense your love, I know Lord you’re still there. When I’m isolated and alone, I cry out to you Lord.

But I also ask you, I plead with you, lead me to healthy supportive community.
Help me, dear Lord, to find meaningful friends and to create a ‘circle of support’.

Thank you Lord that no matter what, I can trust in you.

Amen.