Loneliness and isolation are the two drivers of fear. Scripture informs the reader of God's presence. This talk instructs the listener to remember God's presence regardless of our circumstance by trading fact for fear.

[1 Kings 19:3]: Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. 

[1 Kings 19:9-10]: There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 10 He said, "I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away."

[1 Kings 19:15]: And the Lord said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria.

Three Lessons we Learn about Isolation.

1. Fear drives us into retreat and isolation. 
2. In isolation, we feel as though we're the only one
3. To break isolation's fear, you must redeploy into the community again. 

Advice for the Reentry

 1. Take the first step to engage. 

 2. You are not the only one.

 3. Look for the joy in relationships with others. 

 4. Listen, share, and believe. 

Postscript

[Psalm 41:11-12]: By this I know that you delight in me: my enemy will not shout in triumph over me. 12 But you have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever. [bold added]

[Psalm 23:4]: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [bold added]

[Deuteronomy 31:6]: Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." [bold added]