For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places. Luke 8:29, NIV
On Sunday mornings, it can feel easy to relax among the ranks of our brothers and sisters in Christ. But what about Monday through Friday? It’s easy to start to feel isolated at work, especially if the policies of your school, your coworkers, your supervisors, the law of the land, students, and their families all seem to be pushing against the things of God.
Isolation is a favorite weapon of the enemy of our souls. Notice in Luke 8:29 that the demon had driven the man into solitary places. Despair, hopelessness, and fear breed and grow when we feel alone.
But later in Luke 8, when Jesus heals this demon-possessed man, he commands the direct opposite of isolation. He tells the man to “‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you.’ So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him (Luke 8:38-39).”
Our enemy wants us to believe the lie that we are alone. But God tells us the truth multiple times in His Word: we are NEVER alone; He is always with us (see Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5, Joshua 1:5, and Psalm 23:4, just for starters!)
Dayenu–it would have been enough if all God had given us was the companionship of the Holy Spirit living within us…but because God is in the habit of blessing abundantly, He also has designed for us to be in human fellowship with one another.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25
It may seem like you’re the only Christian in your workplace…but I promise you, you’re not. We are everywhere! There’s probably someone else in your building right now feeling just as alone as you are, wishing for the encouragement of Christian fellowship. Pray that God will open your eyes and ears and create an opportunity for you and them to connect and encourage one another, according to His perfect will.
Father God, thank You that You promise us that You are always with us. When I feel alone, please remind me of Your promises, Your goodness, and Your love. Lord, protect my heart from the lies of the enemy who seeks to drive me into solitary places. God, I pray that You would make a way for me to find and connect with my brothers and sisters in Christ in my school. Open my eyes and ears to notice them, and give me the words and the boldness to reach out. May You raise up an army of believers in our schools to come together to bring You glory. Jesus, thank You for the blessing of fellowship! In His holy name we pray, Amen.
Copyright Rhapsody Jordan-Parisi.
Rhapsody is a Christian Educators member and high school English teacher from North Carolina. She is passionate about helping overwhelmed teachers reclaim their time and peace of mind through support, encouragement, and intentional strategies. You can connect with her at tightropeteaching.com.
