Seen, Heard, and Understood. Finding Belonging in a World of IsolationUkázka

# Coming out of the Cave Spending time alone in isolation allows you to think deeply, rest, and recharge your body and mind. Isolation from others also allows you to focus on your relationship with God. In Mark 1:35, we read that Jesus himself sought solitude to connect with his Father in heaven through prayer. Isolation can certainly be a good thing, but as with many things, it’s only good in moderation. Long-term isolation can lead to deep loneliness and significant mental and physical health risks. There is a multitude of reasons why some people prefer to remain isolated. Those who have suffered trauma or have mental health problems may feel safer when they keep themselves away from others, and those with social anxiety may feel nervous about how they might act or be perceived socially. For some, it’s just a lack of friends and family to connect with. In the previous devotion, we saw that while David connected deeply with God in the Cave of Adullam, he ultimately had to face his fears and venture out. God wanted him to reconnect with people. God’s will for us is to do the same; we are to connect deeply with him, in quiet isolation at times, but we are also to connect deeply with others. We were designed to thrive in connection. #### If you feel lonely and isolated today, I urge you to take a bold first step toward reconnecting.