The Danger of Self-Isolation

14 Thursday Aug 2025

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Bible, dangers of social isolation, devotion, God, God's blessing, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Mount Zion, Prayer, self-isolation, social isolation, the LORD, unity

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Reading: Psalm 133

A song of ascents. Of David.

How good and pleasant it is
    when God’s people live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
    running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
    down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
    were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
    even life forevermore. (NIV) *

Reflection
Short, but powerful and evocative—that’s my description of Psalm 133. I might also add, easily read, but difficult to put into practice. Unity among the people of God is that great elusive goal that seems to always disappear around the next bend in the road just as we approach it. But there God has commanded His blessing, if we could only reach that blessed state.

The psalmist uses two metaphors to portray this good and pleasant state of affairs. The first may appear to be rather messy and wasteful. Who wants oil running down their beard and onto their clothing? But in the Old Testament, prophets, priests, and kings were anointed in just this way. It symbolized the release of divine authority and power into an individual’s life. The Spirit of God was coming upon them for public service. This concept forms an effective bridge to the coming of the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts. When the waiting disciples were of one accord, the Holy Spirit was poured upon them; the anointing came. See Acts 2.

The second metaphor signifies rejuvenation. The dew of the morning is new each day. It refreshes and revives. When our social interactions are positive and enriching, the outcome is spiritual renewal and a deep sense of belonging. Recent studies have shown that social isolation may be a greater risk factor among the elderly than smoking or heart disease. Lack of meaningful interaction with others also has a negative impact on mental health.

The person who continually self-isolates is committing a slow form of suicide, both physically and spiritually. Satan loves the isolated believer—feasts on the mind of the isolated believer.

Simply put, we need each other. We need to be surrounded by loving caring relationships, at home, at work and in the church. On every level, unity of purpose coupled with unselfish love, refreshes, and revives the weary soul. We all want God’s blessing. Well, here’s the key to God’s blessing. The LORD commands a blessing when God’s people live together in unity! (v. 1).

Response: Father God, help me sow words of love and unity. Open my eyes to see where I can bring a word of encouragement and affirmation to those around me. Make me an instrument of peace, love, and unity today. Amen.

Your Turn: How can you avoid sowing seeds of discord? What can you do today to build unity or break out of self-isolation?

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

A gripping read from David Kitz.
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8 BE-Attitudes for Good Mental Health During a Pandemic

15 Friday May 2020

Posted by davidkitz in Psalms

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

mental health, pandemic, problems, quarantine, social isolation

These are stressful times. Whether you have been largely confined to home during this pandemic, or have been busy at your workplace, we are all facing additional causes for fear, worry, and anxiety.

Here are some practical strategies to help you navigate these difficult times.

Be positive*

A positive mood is not only a kind of physiological filter that helps us to see the good parts of things, but also a physical adjustment of our brain and body to be healthy. A thankful heart is the bedrock of a positive attitude.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Be social

Social distancing is not social isolation. Stay connected with people. Call them, Zoom them, say hi to your neighbour, wave to people passing by with their cars. Keep yourself busy on social media too, of course, with specific time limits.
“Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family…” (Proverbs 27:10a).

Be innovative

Hey, you are smart and fun. Come up with original ideas to entertain yourself. Try some new things. You will be surprised to figure out how interesting it can it be to stay at home. After all, your God is creative.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19).

Be active

Keep yourself busy with anything. Staying home is like cycling. If you slow down or stop balancing, your bicycling will become more difficult. So it is with life. People who are active with things they enjoy, usually experience fewer mental health problems.
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” (Proverbs 6:6).

Be flexible

Our world is changing in a better way. Now, people have time to care more about each other. We have to be adaptive to embrace the change. Change is useful not only for organizations but also for individuals who stay at home.
“My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused” (Hosea 11:8b).

Be organized

Staying home should not make us lazy and disorganized. We have a life to manage. Have a daily schedule. Don’t waste your time in front of screens. Show your life that you are the boss.
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control” (Proverbs 25:28).

Be good

Staying at home and practicing voluntary quarantine does not mean that you need to stop helping others. Nothing can stop you from doing good deeds. Start with your friends, relatives and neighbours. Find ways to make them happy. Making others happy will make you happy too. Happiness is the most reliable medicine against mental problems.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).

Be yourself

Don’t pretend to be someone else. Be yourself. Each person will face different experiences, and a solution that works for someone else may not work for you. As human beings, we are amazing. You are terrific when you are yourself and not somebody else.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Omer Livvarcin is the co-author of the book “Risk Management for Non-Profits,” published by Business Experts Press. Omer is also the founder of Charify.ca and Vectors Group.

*Original material by Omer Livvarcin, modified by permission for a Christian audience by David Kitz