Overcoming the Sadness of Our Situation

I do not recall anything specific to forced isolation, but we do know that we are to give thanks to God at all times, in all circumstances. We also should think of Job and all that he had to endure. God will see us through this time of trial. Also, most of all, we should recall that we are only on this Earth for a short time, and God willing, all of us here will have a blessed home in Heaven one day.

Messerve said:

Yes, I can be thankful that I'm still healthy so far, or if I did have it I didn't even realize. And I'm nowhere near Job's situation. It's just that it all feels irreversible, like I'm seeing the death of an era and of things that I enjoyed (and probably took for granted) like camping with my brother and eating out with our parents and chatting with cashiers and talking about the mailbox falling apart with my neighbor. I guess I never realized before how social I am. I always saw myself as more of a loner. I guess it feels like freedom died.

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I know that this time is really tough on some people, especially those who normally get together with family and friends. I guess use the phone and the computer to communicate. Maybe that will help a little. God bless.

Messerve said:

If I could identify one emotion that stands out that I feel the most from this whole pandemic thing it would be sadness. Even more than loneliness. I can go out and see people, but I can't get near them. It's like everyone has an invisible brick wall around them.

I go to the store and I'm not sure if I should face the cashier when talking or not. My neighbor who used to annoy me by opening his door to talk every time I left my house, simply cracked open his door the other day and slammed it shut again. Never thought I'd miss talking to him! I go hiking and every time I pass someone I feel like I have to practically walk off the trail to maintain the six feet between us. I don't know when I'll see my grandparents again, or my co-workers (the part-time workers I'll possibly never see again) or anyone from my church (live-streaming isn't the same and you can't shake hands or hug or anything).

My only consolation is that I had a *secret* second job with my best friend and it's food related so that should continue for awhile at least. Also, my family doesn't care if I visit, though I'm afraid perhaps they aren't taking this serious enough either...

It's really hard to be single and quarantined!

So I just feel sad. Today there were moments I could honestly cry because I don't see any end in sight. It's been such an inconvenience to people I know, some of our local restaurants are sure to suffer from this, and on top of all that I think I'm developing a cavity. Great timing...

I have things to do, but I'm tired of zero physical contact and so little face to face communication. I'm "touch starved" as it is, and this just makes it so much worse. I honestly feel like I'm in solitary confinement almost.

What does the Bible have to say about forced isolation?

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You're an extrovert, aren't you?

One of the things my church has done is create a Facebook group for chat and encouragement. That seems to be helping some of the extroverts among us.

Remember also to pray and trust in God's mercy. That's for everybody.

Messerve said:

If I could identify one emotion that stands out that I feel the most from this whole pandemic thing it would be sadness. Even more than loneliness. I can go out and see people, but I can't get near them. It's like everyone has an invisible brick wall around them.

I go to the store and I'm not sure if I should face the cashier when talking or not. My neighbor who used to annoy me by opening his door to talk every time I left my house, simply cracked open his door the other day and slammed it shut again. Never thought I'd miss talking to him! I go hiking and every time I pass someone I feel like I have to practically walk off the trail to maintain the six feet between us. I don't know when I'll see my grandparents again, or my co-workers (the part-time workers I'll possibly never see again) or anyone from my church (live-streaming isn't the same and you can't shake hands or hug or anything).

My only consolation is that I had a *secret* second job with my best friend and it's food related so that should continue for awhile at least. Also, my family doesn't care if I visit, though I'm afraid perhaps they aren't taking this serious enough either...

It's really hard to be single and quarantined!

So I just feel sad. Today there were moments I could honestly cry because I don't see any end in sight. It's been such an inconvenience to people I know, some of our local restaurants are sure to suffer from this, and on top of all that I think I'm developing a cavity. Great timing...

I have things to do, but I'm tired of zero physical contact and so little face to face communication. I'm "touch starved" as it is, and this just makes it so much worse. I honestly feel like I'm in solitary confinement almost.

What does the Bible have to say about forced isolation?

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Some people can cope better than others. It's a good time to be an introvert!

It is time to get closer to God. Let Him be your comfort in this time. God kept David going while he was hiding from Saul. At least no one is tracking you down with the sole intent of killing you. You may find some help in the Psalms.

May His righteousness be your strength & joy so the present situation doesn't weigh you down ...

I agree with you; this is “sad.” We sometimes just go along in life and don’t really realize how blessed we are. We are finding out that some of the things we took for granted can be gone in a flash. This is indeed sad and some of us are suffering grief for those wonderful moments and looking for new ways to connect and take our place in life. You and many others have lost their identity in a way. We can no longer be the people we were so we have to find our “new” selves. Sounds like your “secret” job may be a special blessing. I am doing a letter and reaching out to my family and friends, some of whom I have not talked to in ages. This helps some.
But I believe God knows what we are going thru and cares. He is my very best friend and he calls me “friend.”, just as He does you. I pray that He becomes more real to you in the days to come. I pray that God will give you a new awareness of His presence and the joy of His creation. I pray that He fills your empty places. I pray that He places a song in your heart, a smile on your face and blessings galore. I pray that you will find new ways to bless those around you. Amen.
I know that even at 6 feet, a smile warms my heart and makes me feel so much better so share and spread that smile around. Thanks for sharing your feeling. I really appreciate knowing how others may be feeling about all of this. Incidently, Isaiah 26:20 does talk about isolation.
I am praying for you that you will weather this storm well and come out even better than you were. This is the first day of the rest of your life. Enjoy and be blessed in it.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns with us. I am so sorry you are dealing with such a difficult situation. These forums are great for sharing burdens, venting, and asking for advice. It is understandable for the way what you feel. Let me tell you my friend that you are not alone!! Many of us seem to be in such great fear and sadness and lack of physical contact. This type of event has happened in history before, but not something that is frequent. However, please do not feel discourage! Please hang it there! The best we can do is to learn how to deal with it and then come out stronger. Have you ever thought to use social media to keep in touch with your friends, colleagues and your fellow brothers and sister from your church? Have you ever heard about ‘Zoom meeting and chat’; ‘Facebook’s messenger’; ‘Skype’, ‘What’s app’, etc.? These are applications that you can download from ‘Play Store’ to your cellphone, use it and keep in touch with your friends now that we must practice social distancing. I encourage you to be thankful that you mentioned you have a second job with your best friend. That in these moments is a huge blessing! Let me tell you my sister in Christ that the most important though, is to take advantage of this precious time to develop a stronger relationship with God and trust Him in these difficult times that we have to stay at home for our own welfare and taking care others. Again, let me tell you my sister in Christ that you’re not alone!! We’re all in this together, but do not let yourself fall into this sadness. I encourage you to write in a journal and think in the things that you are grateful (for example, for each day of life, for your second job, your health, a place to live, your family, for the food that you have, etc.).I encourage you to be strong. Hang in there! Even in the darkest moments in our lives there is always hope. If you keep searching, with prayer, God may lead you to that ministry He could use you as an instrument. Now there is a lot of resources on media that help Christians to join to communities to pray for the whole word, for people who are sick in isolation at the hospitals, for our doctors and nurses, for all the people do not have nothing to eat, for the dying, etc. I encourage you to be part of this mission to take peace to others. Please, avoid being focus on yourself. In despite of this situation I believe God made you in His image and that you are important, valuable, a person worthy of dignity and respect. Another thing we can do is to pray Psalms 23 Even though I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me, Psalm 91 He will rescue you from the fowler’s snare, from the destroying plague, Psalm37 Find your delight in the LORD who will give you your heart’s desire, commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will act and He will act, and Psalm17. This is the time that we need to recognize that we are sinners and I encourage you to have the humble attitude of the Publican in the Bible, that he recognizes that he is not worthy in from of God’s eyes and he asks for forgiveness for all his sins. This is the time to pray and ask God What are the things that I should change? or what are the things that keep me away from you? And try to amend our ways to come back to God like the Prodigal son. God is good and merciful all the time. In regards to your last question, the Ark of Noah, or also known as ‘Noah’s Ark’, was when God told Noah to build a large ark since He was going to send a global flood because of mankind’s sinfulness. Sadly, most of the world’s population including animals perished in the flood except those who travelled on the Ark of Noah. Noah had to be in isolation with his family until the flood ended. You can read about it in the book of Genesis, chapters 5 through 9. This list-ly is extremely important for you are going through: Looking Up From The Stubborn Darkness | A Listly List. I hope this helps. Sending you hugs. I will keep you in my prayers, my sister in Christ.

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