The Spiritual Value of Isolation
Greetings, brothers and sisters. This is Dr. James Perry continuing with our series where we seek to
explore the deeper meanings of our relationship with Jesus Christ. Over the years, the heavenly
Father has revealed many revelations of spiritual truth to me, and I want to share them with you. This
morning we ponder our lives as we seek to understand the spiritual value of isolation.
And now, sit back and listen to today's message.
The Spiritual Value of Isolation
"I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and
patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the
testimony of Jesus Christ"Revelations, Chapter 1, Verse 9.
Brothers and sisters, "It is not good for man to be alone." But sometimes due to unavoidable
circumstances, we may find ourselves isolated. Isolation does have spiritual value. It can serve to
stimulate the God consciousness, or it may serve as a test of true value.
A family may find that it is isolated; it may discover that it has been abandoned by all familiar
influences. Such a state may leave a family in a state of confusion as it tries to make the necessary
adjustments. Such a test is a measure of family integrity and cohesion. It may cause all the members
of the family to become closer, or it may serve as a disrupting influence, depending upon whether
good or evil is chosen. Freed from the distraction of outside influences, each member will have to
examine its relationship and responsibility to the family unit. When there is no place to hide, one is
left completely exposed.
Father-mother relationships can deepen during the absence of distracting influences, as a father or
mother come to really know the meaning of father and mother. Husband-wife relationships can
blossom when confronted with the unavoidable choice of choosing to be a husband in the truest
sense of the word. When the force of isolation compels two people together, then does the reality of
intimacy surface. Such a couple at such time will truly choose intimacy or further separation.
Isolation measures the strength of true loyalty. Loyalty is a value and when deprived of all material
association is the true test of loyalty. Can one or will one stand for truth when deprived of the
support of the crowds? When an individual is suddenly cut off from the favorable and pleasant
associations of one's fellows, that is the test of the value that one purports to hold. To stand for a
value when all around one does not recognize the validity of the value is a true test that the value is
indeed a part of one's character. One does not really own a value unless one can live it. And the true
test of character lies in adversity rather than success. Success may be the reward of character testing,
but the test itself is adversity.
Such a one who finds himself suddenly alone is in a position to realize the truth that one is never
alone spiritually. One is able to realize that though one's human associates may forsake one, the
heavenly Father will never forsake one. At such a time the stimulus of isolation can serve to make
one more God conscious. The Father is able to provide comfort and companionship and to reveal
the unity of all personality, human and divine. Being deprived of familiar influences causes one to
rely more and more upon the guidance and wisdom of God. During such uneasy steps, the Father is
able to impart stability of purpose. Faith and trust can develop new heights as one learns to endure
and carry on as seeing Him who is invisible. Sometimes during the times of isolation, one's true
purpose is revealed and embraced (God's will).
And though such times are invariably emotionally trying, sometimes physically painful, morally
uncertain, truth, beauty, and goodness can triumph. Loyalty to a spiritual value can deepen. Spiritual
progress can be made. The Father loves his children, and he loves each of his children. During times
of isolation, such a truth can be realized. During the times of testing, the true character of the soul
is revealed. The measure of trust worthiness is accurately assessed. Such times of testing reveal the
power of the Father to guide his children through the mine field of evil and error.
The love of the Father at such times becomes increasingly real as the one invests more and more trust
in the one who is able to keep one from failing. The power and strength of the Father can reveal itself
best during the times of human weakness. It is the consciousness of being loved by the Father that
sustains one during the times of stress. Love, divine love is the most powerful personality force in
existence. It gives the personality the courage, strength, and desire to overcome any obstacle that may
stand in the way of doing the Father's will. During the times of testing, the self realizes qualities that
were only potential. Yes, pain and struggle may last during the night of testing, but joy and rest come
in the morning of success.
This concludes today's message on the understanding the spiritual meaning of isolation. We hope
you find something in this message to ponder and pray about as you go about your day. Until next
time, this is Dr. James Perry.
Inspirational Messages
By Dr. James Perry
Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done!
The Spiritual Value of Isolation
