These are two new terms which have recently been introduced to our everyday language. The purpose of self-isolation and social distancing is to restrict the spread of the dangerous coronavirus. There are sound medical reasons for socially distancing ourselves in such circumstances.
It is bad enough to be distanced from family and friends, but it is inestimably worse to be distanced from God. This is the state of millions upon millions in the world who are without God’s salvation. How fearful many must be at this time. The world needs our prayers. The Bible says ‘whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.’ (Proverbs 29 verse 25) and we can pray that this situation will make people think about eternal issues.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that as believers, we are no longer distanced from God, ‘But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ’ (Ephesians 2 verse 13).
We can be encouraged that although we cannot meet together at this we are near to Him and to each other because we are still ‘in assembly’.
We rest on His word ‘I will never leave thee nor forsake thee’ (Hebrews 13 verse 5) ‘The Lord is at hand (literally at our elbow)’ (Philippians 4 verse 5). We can enjoy His presence every day. Remember the words of Exodus 33 verse 14 ‘My presence shall go with thee’ and Psalm 145 verse 18 ‘The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him’ and Matthew 28 verse 20 ‘I am with you alway’.
May the Lord continue to bless us with His daily presence. We have something that the world does not enjoy.