Man's Greatest Fear

One of Satan’s most powerful weapons and man’s greatest fear is isolation; the belief that no one loves or cares for us. With feelings of loneliness, depression and despair, Satan has traumatized the lives of many individuals. In the aftermath, the stories are usually the same. The perpetrators felt lonely, betrayed, and unloved. In an attempt to rid themselves of these feelings, they plot and methodically carry out their plans; killing and destroying everyone and everything in their paths. Why? Because isolation was never God’s plan for man.

In Genesis 2:18, He declared it is not good that man should be alone. But for Adam, loneliness was different from what we know. Not knowing another human being, he missed the vital thing that makes us who we are – family, friends, and a childhood.

If you ask anyone who has been behind bars, they will agree that one of their greatest fears was being alone; away from friends, family, and everyone.

Why is loneliness such a threat? God designed man as a being of communion. "I will make for man a companion, someone with whom to fellowship and enjoy my creation, a soul mate." In Eve, God added the final piece in the intricate puzzle of His creation. She was created as someone with an equal share of God’s image. She was someone similar enough for companionship, yet different enough for relationship. Together they were greater than either could have been alone.

When Adam and Eve disobeyed, it was that feeling of isolation; being separated from God that sent them running for cover. They had been free of guilt, shame, and doubt – emotions brought about by separation. Now they were apart from God because of their desire to act on their own. They took upon themselves the position of God, a position of authority. "For God doth know", the serpent told Eve, "that in the day that ye eat thereof, ten your eyes will be opened, and ye shall be as gods knowing (position of control) good and evil" Genesis 3:5 paraphrased.

What was the result? The effect on a plate glass window is the same, whether a pebble or boulder was hurled at it the thousands of fragments can never be regathered. In that small moment of rebellion in the garden, something beautiful and free was shattered.

Man’s ungodly acts of violence, abuse, incest and neglect only prove that we are genuine descendants of Adam; separated from God by our desire to act on our own; apart from Him.

Samson, in a moment of weakness; one who had taken the vows of a Nazarite, gave in to his desires and lost all that God had given him, proving that one cannot waste him strength on that which will ultimately bring him down.

David, who knew the heart of God, acting solely on his own authority; through lust, had a man killed. Though separated from God for a time, David had en edge most victims of isolation lack. He knew the character of God. He knew that no matter how miserably he had messed up, God was always there. Where can I go that Jehovah Shamma (God is there) don’t see me Psalms 139:7. His knowledge of isolation from God drove him to seek God even more. Why? Because when we are alone, we are who we really are; seekers or those being sought.

In a final attempt to restore man to his rightful place with God, a place of authority, Jesus experienced the agony that separation brings. In pain too difficult to bear He cried out, sending shock waves rippling through the earth causing it to convulse uncontrollably. This is the picture of one who was in oneness with the Father but was now alone. He cried out, "My God, why have you forsaken me?" He endured a separation that viewed death as a reward, for being without His Father was His greatest fear; a fear He conquered at Calvary.

Allow Him to bring to you restoration and a life free of fear and isolation. He can redeem you and restore you to your rightful place of fellowship with the Father. Listen as He echoes the words heard throughout eternity; "I will never leave you or forsake you."