Separation Anxiety
Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 07:22AM 
“And Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.” Genesis 13:11
Why did Lot separate himself from his Uncle Abraham? Apparently, he did not fully recognize that God blessed him because of his association with Abraham. But Lot’s real problems resulted from the separation. He left because he saw himself with wealth, materialism, good times, independence from “the Boss,” and freedom to be himself. But it also broke the relationship between him and the covenant of promise.
Separation anxiety affects babies when first separated from their parents. Teary and tantrum-filled goodbyes are a common part of a child’s earliest years. Around the first birthday, many kids develop separation anxiety, getting upset when a parent tries to leave them with someone else. Though separation anxiety is a perfectly normal part of childhood development, it can be unsettling. Also, when married couples have problems between them that reach a critical point, one of the first things they do to resolve the differences is to separate. Sometimes it works, but most of the time it’s just the prelude to the next step, divorce. It’s a traumatic time, even if there is no other solution. It signifies a broken relationship.
Separation from God. “Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God.” Isaiah 59:1-4. Separation from God is not an inconsequential choice. People say, “Oh, I’m just taking a break from religion.” One said, “I just want something a little less demanding.” “Oh, I’m just going to go to this church over here for a while.” Do they preach the truth? “Well, what is truth, anyway?” “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:7. Usually, when people make these decisions, they don’t go to the pastor to discuss it, but to announce it!” But, when you are separated from God, you lose that protective covering, that covenantal relationship. You become exposed to every devilish doctrine and error out there. “
Separation to God. If you want to be separated, you need to be separated to God. “Therefore, remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” Ephesians 2:11-22. Sin separates! Brokenness and loneliness lead to alcoholism, drug addiction, gross immorality, lying, cheating, stealing, fighting, etc. It is Separation Anxiety! But the Bible leads us into a separated life because it is an enlightened way to live! It’s clean, holy, reverent, righteous. (Galatians 5:16-21). Let me ask you this: Do wives want their husbands to go out looking like he’s single? Do husbands want their wives to act, dress and think like she is not married? No. We respect a covenant relationship. A life separated to God respects the covenant relationship! Our allegiance, respect, reverence, and commitment is to the One who saved our souls!
You can resolve your separation anxiety. The source of problems starts with a broken relationship with Jesus. You may not experience an immediate overnight change, although it can happen. What you can have is the offering of the hand of God. We have the ministry of reconciliation. God wants to take your hand where you are today and lead you back home where you want to be. You don’t have to come home first and prove yourself. Just get back into a relationship with Jesus. Let Him show you what the next step is.
Reader Comments (1)
O Bishop! This seems to go along with my prayer and the WORD this morning in the 3rd chapter of Zephaniah. If we will take His hand, He will lead, and separate us unto Himself.
"Blessed is the man whom Thou choosest and causest to approach unto Thee, that he may dwell in Thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of Thy house, even of Thy holy temple."
Psalm 65:4
Thank you, Jesus!