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Your Isolation is Only Physical 

A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment. Proverbs 18:1 (NKJV)

There is a reason the most dangerous prisoners are consigned to solitary confinement; they are a threat to all around them and isolation is a method of severe punishment. It’s true, aloneness can be harsh.

Every so often, it is good for your soul to withdraw for a short time and remove all distractions so you can meditate, ponder and pray. Jesus did that very thing when He withdrew into the desert and fasted for 40 days.But to be alone and have far too much time on your hands to overthink, become overwhelmed by loneliness and withdrawn from those in your world who care for you is folly. Community is foundational to our faith and to be disconnected, particularly during challenging seasons, is painful and unwise – it is not good for you mentally or emotionally, and it can even be destructive for you spiritually.  

In a time when many people are required to self-isolate, I want to remind you that it is only physical. The bright side of technology is that we now have the opportunity to stay connected socially. We have found new ways to gather, unite and stay in touch with one another.

Hebrews 10:25 points us toward the importance of connection, it reads: 

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

The challenge for all of us is to intentionally encourage one another, connect regularly and build bridges. We may not be able to physically fill rooms with warmth, chatter and laughter, but we can fill the airwaves with love, encouragement and kindness. We can pray for one another, send a text message of support and stand in faith with those that we love. We can check in on one another, point each other toward hope and help each other through this season. 

Stay close to your family, your church family, and the people surrounding you who need you. This pandemic shall pass – and I am praying that on the other side, we will be strengthened in our heart and ability to connect and engage with not only one another, but also with God.

Our weekend online gatherings are meeting a need for hundreds of thousands of people, giving many the opportunity to stay connected to their church family. I hope you have the opportunity to gather with us at Hillsong.com/online where we can practice self-isolation and yet, be together still.

Stay in faith my friend, the BEST is yet to come.