For the month of April, we are to practice “social distancing.” Health officials tell us that this will help in our fight against this virus; this invisible enemy. But this attempt at mitigation has its adverse effects. We are warned that the isolation can lead to depression, spousal abuse and even suicide. These are very serious possibilities. In Genesis 2:18 the Bible says, “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” This is the first time the word “alone” is used in the Scriptures and it is NOT GOOD! There is a big difference between being alone and being lonely. Some may even enjoy time alone, but no one enjoys being lonely. One can be alone in a crowd because a crowd is not company.

We need community, fellowship, friendship and relationship. Ecclesiates 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.” WOE TO HIM THAT IS ALONE. IT IS NOT GOOD THAT THE MAN SHOULD BE ALONE. As Christians we are instructed to comfort one another, edify one another, love one another, etc. This is very strengthening and helpful, but more difficult at a distance.

One evening in 1808, a gaunt, sad-faced man entered the office of Dr. James Hamilton in Manchester, England. The doctor was struck by the melancholic appearance of his visitor. He enquired: “Are you sick?” “Yes, doctor, sick of a mortal malady.” “What malady?” “I am frightened of the terror of the world around me. I am depressed by life. I can find no happiness anywhere, nothing amuses me, and I have nothing to live for. If you can’t help me, I shall kill myself.” “The malady is not mortal. You only need to get out of yourself. You need to laugh; to get some pleasure from life.” “ What shall I do?” “Go to the circus tonight to see Grimaldi, the clown. Grimaldi is the funniest man alive. He’ll cure you.” A spasm of pain crossed the poor man’s face as he said: “Doctor, don’t jest with me; I am Grimaldi.”

“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”
1 Corinthians 1:9

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Isaiah 41:10

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Psalms 16:11

Be encouraged! With Jesus, you’re never alone.

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

“Take Time to Be Holy” by William D. Longstaff