THE BLESSINGS OF ISOLATION

 O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear. Psalm 10:17 
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I have been writing a series entitled "Biblical Insights on Worship". Although also available in English (CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP​), the insights have been written for distribution on a Ukrainian and Russian Telegram channel at the invitation of Vitaliy Bolgar, director of Music in World Cultures in Ukraine.  Recently he sent me this message asking me to interrupt our scheduled insights.   

Dear James,
Could you in the coming days write & share biblical thoughts on the coronavirus crisis for our Telegram channel—Biblical Insights on Worship? This is very urgent now.
Specific problems people are struggling with: Fear; Isolation, Lack of live communication; Financial losses; Obedience to authorities vs risk.

This is the first in this series which I am also making available here on this blog.

The title may seem like a contradiction as we experience the shock of quarantine and social isolation but it summarizes a perspective shared by many people in the Bible you experienced isolation. Since isolation was a common experience for the majority of our biblical heroes, this series will give them the opportunity to give us perspective and coping tips. As we study this period of their life, we discover four things.  One, they did not stop worshiping.  Second, they discovered the essence of worship.  Third, worship became a priority in their life.  Fourth, worship was an important coping technique giving perspective and purpose to loneliness, despair, and questions. As we listen to them speak across the centuries, I think we will hear them say, ”Don’t miss the special blessings that can only be discovered in the wilderness.”
I hope I do not appear insensitive to the loss and pain that you and your loved ones and your church are experiencing at this time.  That is not my intent.  Instead, it is my prayer that you will receive comfort and strength from the perspective of men and women of God who have experienced loss, separation, interruption, and isolation.  Like the psalmist they would like you to know three things:

1. God will hear your desire in your affliction 
2. God will strengthen your heart
3. God will incline his ear.  The word incline has the idea of a head that is tilted toward a speaker because of personal interest and a strong desire to hear what is being said.

Brothers and sisters, be assured that God is listening, will continue to listen and will strengthen your heart.