Peace of Mind

Peace of Mind

Isolation

Isaiah 26:3

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

 

John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

 

John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Why we struggle:

1. “The Flesh” – Romans 8:5–6
2. “The World” – Romans 12:2
3. “The Enemy” – 1 Peter 5:8

Isolation is a state of being that leads to the feeling of loneliness.

 

2023 Surgeon General Report- “About 1 in 2 U.S. adults report experiencing loneliness”

 

Cigna Study- ~58% of Americans report feeling lonely

Isolation is not a part of God’s design.

 

I Kings 19:1-19

1. Elijah experiences victory (v. 1-3)
2. Elijah begins to isolate (v. 3-4)
3. Elijah has an emotional breakdown (v. 4)
4. God starts by ministering to Elijah’s body (v. 5-8)
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5. God ministers to Elijah (v. 9-13)
6. God corrects his distorted thinking (v. 14-15)
7. God connects him with other people (v. 19)
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3 types of isolation:

1. Physical isolation

1. 1. Little to no connection with others
   2. You spend most of your time alone
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2. Relational Isolation

1. 1. You’re around people a lot
   2. Your relationships lack depth
   3. You don’t open up to others
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3. Functional Isolation

1. 1. You’re married, maybe with kids
   2. You find that you don’t have much other connection
   3. Some of that is just related to the season you’re in
   4. If we’re not careful we’ll get so busy within our family activities that we lack connection with others and we feel isolated
   5. This is a difficult one because it’s so less obvious
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Luke 22:31

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

 

Luke 5:16

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Matthew 4:1

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness

 

Isolation is running from life and disconnecting from people.

Solitude is stepping away with God to be strengthened and renewed.

 

True solitude leads you back into connection.