By Bunni Pounds

When we are struggling with anxiety, fears, insecurities, and worry - the absolute worst thing we can do is to isolate ourselves; yet that is exactly what our government officials are instructing us to do. Every day.

I understand we are in 2020. I understand that the coronavirus is real. I was exposed during the middle of December and did a 10 day self-isolation exercise even from my own family. It was brutal. Thankfully I didn’t get sick - but the isolation was almost as bad.

By day 7, I needed people. I needed to be around my husband and kids. Not on the phone but in the flesh. It gave me a new perspective on what is really destroying our world right now. The disease of isolation. It is dangerous, and it can destroy.

The Bible says in Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

The more wicked the world becomes the MORE we need each other to exhort and stir up each other.

The more hard the world becomes, the MORE love we need to keep our hearts soft.

That is why God encourages us through the Scriptures to be together.

I understand that pastors have had to make hard decisions throughout this year. I understand. When 70 people get Covid-19 from attending a church service, you need to shut down and make some changes.

But what I don’t understand are churches around the country that remain closed after nine months, with pastors getting comfortable conducting their services online, while their congregations are suffering at home with no accountability and no one personally speaking into their lives.

This isolation is destroying people. The more we grow accustomed to being by ourselves, the harder it is to break out of isolation. We change our habits, our interactions, and we get into routines of being alone.

I haven’t been back to a movie theater since March. Have you? Something in me doesn’t want to make the effort when I can just watch a movie at home.

In the same way, we have people at home who were in church and in fellowship, but now don’t really want to make the effort. Are they still tuning in to the online streams? Who knows? We want to think that they are.

I am worried about the church in America, but also around the world.

I am worried about our isolation from each other. I am concerned that older people are not feeling the energy and passion of the younger people. I am concerned that younger people are isolating on their devices without older adults speaking balance into their lives. I am worried about us not being together.

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

This is exactly what the enemy is doing right now as people get more depressed and statistics of suicide go through the roof.

This can NOT happen in the church. We have to make a concerted effort to reach out to each other, to be together, and to keep spiritually and emotionally healthy.

It is not enough to watch a message on YouTube. We need to be honest with each other and have real relationships.

I want to encourage you going into 2021 - be safe, but don’t isolate! Get with people in some way. Open your home and invite a few people over. Go out to eat and take a friend. Go to church! You can practice caution with your interactions, but don’t get used to being alone.

Rest is good. But that season doesn’t go on forever. There is something in us that needs to serve, be productive, and help others. Don’t forget about that need that feeds our souls going into 2021.

It might be hard at first, but step back into life. Do something! Be with people in some way.

Isolation destroys. Don’t let it destroy you.

In 2021, we want to build more of community with each other around the state. Join us for our weekly, virtual Podcast/Bible Study . Go to church, be with friends and family, and feed your spirit one way or another. 2021 is a new beginning. Let’s pursue God together!

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