You Are Not Alone
/I am not a fan of the hashtag #AloneTogether. There, I said it. In fact, I think it’s total baloney. And baloney is not the word I wanted to use. I’m not attacking whoever created it, whoever is using it, and I’m not attacking popular culture; it’s something my family and I enjoy most days, just like you. We're up to about 400 hours logged on Netflix since this all started.
The problem is that the mindset of “alone” is exactly what the enemy wants. He wants to get you isolated so you are an easy target. But, you are not alone. I promise. And I’m not talking about your family that you’ve been joined by the hip to for four weeks straight. Lord help us all!
I’m talking about the fact that the Creator of the universe is living inside of you through the Holy Spirit. As if that wasn’t enough, through Jesus, we’ve been made brothers and sisters joined together in the same Body, the same Family; regardless of race, geography, sheltering or social distancing.
Check out this powerful Word:
“If you bow low in God’s awesome presence, he will eventually exalt you as you leave the timing in his hands. Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. Be well balanced and always alert, because your enemy, the devil, roams around incessantly, like a roaring lion looking for its prey to devour. Take a decisive stand against him and resist his every attack with strong, vigorous faith. For you know that your believing brothers and sisters around the world are experiencing the same kinds of troubles you endure. And then, after your brief suffering, the God of all loving grace, who has called you to share in his eternal glory in Christ, will personally and powerfully restore you and make you stronger than ever. Yes, he will set you firmly in place and build you up. And he has all the power needed to do this—forever! Amen.” - 1 Peter 5:6-11 TPT
Peter with the mic drop…
The Passion Bible Commentary says: "the implication in the context is that if you do not bring your worries and cares to God, the devil will use the depression and discouragement to devour you. Just as lions go after the feeble, the young, and the stragglers, so the enemy of your souls will always seek out those who are isolated, alone, or depressed to devour them."
Now, more than ever, we need to "cast our cares" upon Him, because He loves us. He sees your depression and discouragement. He knows your concern for your loved ones. He knows how frustrating it is for a 40 year old parent to try and teach "common core math" to their 4th grader. He knows the anxiety that comes from trying to know when to wipe what down and when to wear this or not wear that and for how long, constantly painting yourself into a germ corner.
Instead of living in that anxiety, humble yourself before your Creator and let Him take your stress and worry away. Know that "the God of all loving grace, who has called you to share in his eternal glory in Christ, will personally and powerfully restore you and make you stronger than ever". Know that you are not alone in all of this.
I say we just use the hashtag #Together. Because that's what we are: in Christ, and in His Family.
Your brother in Christ,
Tyler