Skip to main content

Freedom In the Flock

    When we are feeling upset or rejected or lonely, it is our natural response to come inside ourselves. We can tend to shut down and isolate in the hard times. However, when we are dealing with that kind of pain it is usually best that we do the opposite.

    When we are upset and alone, we tend to get stuck in our thoughts. Our minds circulate over whatever is going on and we cannot easily escape. We can easily have our own little pity party and bring ourselves further into sorrow and loneliness. Satan often uses our thoughts as a trap. He plants thoughts that upset us and lead us into sin and darkness. 

    We are designed as the body of Christ which means we function as a unit and not on our own. If we are hurting, the whole body hurts. Do you think that the body would not try to ease the pain since all suffer together? We are not to be on our own in the wilderness of the world, especially when we are suffering.

1 Corinthians 12:14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. (ESV)

1 Corinthians 12:26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. (NIV)

    When we are alone, Satan has a foothold on us. He is able to step in and blur our vision when we do not have the community of Christ around us to keep our eyes on Jesus. When we are left alone with our emotions and circumstances it gets hard to see. When we stay together Satan cannot break into our herd so easily. He preys on those who are weak and isolated from the flock and less on those within it.

Proverbs 18:1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. (ESV)

Hebrews 10:25 Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (ESV)

Genesis 2:18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” (ESV)

 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (NLT)

    Nevertheless, we recognize that Jesus is the true healer and encourager. We should be in connection with His people, whom He is living in, but also with Him directly. He is the One who will not fail to be there for us and will always give us sound direction. Man is flawed but He is perfection. He will never leave us. Next time you feel like isolating yourself, consider that it may be a better plan to get around some people who can shift your focus back to Jesus.

Joshua 1:5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. (ESV)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Listen Up

    Is Jesus talking to you? I hear many people wonder how to hear God's voice and what to listen for. I want to offer a bit of wisdom on the topic. If you are wondering if God is talking to you, the answer is yes. We were designed to have a relationship with our creator and He is always there trying to get ahold of you if you'll only pay a little attention.     How does God communicate with us? The first way is through His word. Those are direct words from God Himself, written through His people. The Bible is our instruction manual to life. Whatever difficulty we may be facing, there is always an answer in scripture. God, having known every need before we ever needed it, has already provided an answer. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness (ESV)     The second way God communicates with us is by talking directly to us. Just like Adam and Eve spok...
Post a Comment
Read more

Dancing Through the Fire

     For a couple weeks now the Lord has been pressing this message on my heart. He revealed a flaw in my thinking I hadn't noticed. You see, when hard times come it's in my nature to duck and cover. I go into "survival mode" and I get tunnel vision. I only focus on getting through what's in front of me alive. But in doing so, not only do I miss a lot of opportunities, but I give in to the voice of fear in my life.     I know I don't speak only for myself when I say that God wants to us in our "every day lives." Not only at church or on a special mission trip, but in the trenches of the grocery store, the gym, work, etc. It is His will that every soul is saved and He wants us to go out into the world and win those hearts for Him. But when I put myself in survival mode, I block out all the opportunities God lays before me. When I numb myself with the routine of each passing day, week, and month, I miss out on sharing the one thing of eternal importa...
1 comment
Read more

How Firm a Foundation

Matthew 7:24-27 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” Luke 6:46-49 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against th...
Post a Comment
Read more