Not everyone understands . . .

But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.

(1 Samuel 12:24

All of us suffer from times of loneliness, isolation, and rejection. It is inevitable in the Christian walk especially. The closer we get to the Lord, the further away the world becomes. The things we once held dear . . . the people we once trusted . . . the things we once did . . . the places we once frequented . . . An intimate walk with the Lord calls us into a deeper and more meaningful lifestyle. However, not everyone understands!

Many of the prophets and other persons in the bible suffered from loneliness and even depression. In fact, many of our great Christian leaders of this age have experienced bouts of isolation as well. Even for the common folk like you and me, it is not strange to have friends misunderstand us. Many times family members will isolate us and unknowingly keep us at a distance. It seems to come with the territory.

This is why I believe Peter instructs us to love the brotherhood!

Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

(1 Peter 2:17)

Despite being treated as exiles at times, Peter urges us to contiue in our intimate walk with the Savor and do our best to live in harmony with everyone. Hard as this is at times, it brings glory to God and even brings others to a deeper understanding of what it looks like to know Him!

hang in . . . we are not alone! God is always desiring to move closer to us, even as the world pushes us away. How much do we desire the Lord? Are we willing to lose the world?