Sometimes we just want to be left alone.
To think. To rest. To retreat from the public drama unfolding on the stage of our life. Maybe we need to hole up in some quiet corner to lick our wounds. Or perhaps we just need a little time–and space–to regain our equilibrium.
And we retreat farther and farther into ourselves. Then get comfortable there.
I admit I have my own “hermit” tendencies, often seeking the “safety” of my solitary shell to avoid the chaos outside its comfy confines. Yet God created none of us to burrow down by ourselves.
And with good reason.
When we isolate ourselves, especially from other believers:
We miss God’s provision of friendship. “Two are better than one.. …if one falls down his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?” (Ecclesiastes 4:10)
We forfeit the power of fellowship. “I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to make you strong–that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” (Romans 1:11)
We lose the protection of the pack. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
We play right into the enemy’s hands. “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8)
When we remove ourselves from all of God’s layers of protection, we furnish our enemy with the opportunity to single us out–and crush us.
So, if you are a hermit like me, don’t get stuck in your shell. Make a phone call, or a coffee date, and a commitment to rejoin God’s people….then step out to receive all God has waiting for you today.
It can be very difficult to take the first step out of our shell. What has helped you?
Comments 11
You are a Romans 1:11 friend! Thanks for this post. Love you.
Time with you always revitilizes my faith and refreshes my heart. A living illustration of the value of banding together!
Well said especially as we head into summer without Bible Study and School activities to shove us on stage.
Isn’t that the truth!
Okay, Bethany, I’ll call you. 😉
Looking forward to it. 🙂
We all struggle some with the desire to just be alone, to check out so to speak, especially if we have had bad news or a rough day at work, are not feeling well or have some deep concerns mounting in our lives. Having been sick every day of this past year I can say that I appreciate the person who will prod me to get me out. Sometimes it is needed for the sake of sanity – other times to enhance our spiritual lives and to grow us by having others to bump up against. Right now I am trying to limit myslf to one activity a day in order to give my body the rest needed for healing, but I am opening myself up to hear God’s call on what out there He wants me to do in that time. Yes, it is easy to be a little varmit hiding out in someon else’s shell – let’s let God take our hand and pull us out to bring Him glory and honor as we speak and share with His people and those He wants us to affect for eternity.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom and insight. It usually takes someone pulling at me to get me to peek out of my shell. We need each other, don’t we!
This hit me right between the eyes as I age I become more of a “loner” “hermit” “recluse”…I just want to be left alone! God of course has other plans but He has to shove,push and prod me to take every step….thanks for sharing the verses I needed to hear to make my foot dragging less likely.
We won’t leave you alone jackie – you have too much to offer others. Love you
It seems God always “has other plans.” And they rarely include shell-dwelling!