Many of the past several episodes of the Noisy Narratives podcast feature ministers, pastors and staff members discussing their personal walks with the Lord and how their stories impact ministry. Each story is similar and yet different at the same time.
Everyone has a history that is uniquely individual. All of us have shared experiences that bind us to our communities and our people. We also have private experiences not shared with others – so when we tell of those unique pieces of our story, we do it through our personal lens no other human being can utilize. It is wholly personal.
Alone is defined as “separated from others; exclusive of anyone or anything else; without aid or support”. Lonely or loneliness is defined as “cut off from others; sad from being alone; or producing a feeling of bleakness or desolation” (Merriam-Webster). There is a difference between being alone as a choice for rest or relaxation, versus being lonely. One brings life, the other brings despair.
Many times, the stories we share have moments of great introspection coming on the heels of extreme sadness, depression or even considerations of suicide. One common thread of these testimonies are feelings of isolation, paralyzing aloneness and/or lack of purpose. They feel cut off from human connection, and often feel alone even in rooms full of people. This type of isolation goes beyond the alone time many of us need to “recharge our batteries.” This type of aloneness is not beneficial, it is burdensome and suffocating to the point where escape becomes the primary motivator of behavior. This behavior shows up in the form of addictions, sex, social media, damaging relationship behavior, or even suicide. It’s extremely difficult to watch a friend struggle with this type of isolation, but when you are the person suffering, life feels foggy and difficult to manage. Proximity to people is the last thing you want, but the most important thing you need.
We are built for community, for connection. God created us to need him and to need other human beings. “There is robust evidence that social isolation and loneliness significantly increase risk for premature mortality, and the magnitude of the risk exceeds that of many health indicators.” (Dr. Holt-Lunstad from Perspectives on Psychological Science, Vol. 10, 2015). The evidence also suggests lack of social connection creates health risks comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day or living the life of an alcoholic. Wow.
Of course, God looks at us and says, “Huh, I told you so.” Or I imagine he does anyway.
After all, God said, “…it is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Genesis 2:18. In Galatians 6:2 Paul exhorts the church to “bear on another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Jesus demonstrates to all of us how to sacrificially love and carry each other’s sorrows. Paul says we are to emulate Jesus’ life and in doing so we live the very law of our Savior. It’s no small thing to be there for one another.
What or who pulls us out of our loneliness? Our isolation? Well, the other common thread in the stories we share seems to be a personal God moment. A moment where God moves our hearts, and the Holy Spirit literally pulls us from despair into a place where we can see our value. God says, 'You are worthy because I made you, I love you, and you are significant.' That’s it.
How do we know God feels this way about us? Because he said so.
“Can anything separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threated with death? … No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love… No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35, 37,39)
There is absolutely NOTHING that separates you from the Love of God. When you place belief in Jesus your Savior, Jesus puts himself in the gap for you. You are his and he is yours. The Holy Spirit ensures you are never truly alone. Our human emotions are compromised here on earth, but Jesus binds us together and pulls us from the brink. The amazing human testimonies we have the privilege of hearing on Noisy Narratives are evidence of God’s love for his human creation. It’s humbling and awe-inspiring to hear how God moves in people’s lives.
If you are feeling isolated and lonely this Christmas season, I pray you remember you have a Savior who loves you, and a flawed community of people who will help carry your burden. In John 14:18 God says, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come for you.”
Today on Noisy Narratives we sit down with Sean Kahlich, Associate Student Minister at Frisco First. He talks about how God came and pulled him from a life of sadness and loneliness, into a life of ministry and fulfillment. We loved spending time with Sean and hope you enjoy and learn from his story!