"I was silent and still… my anguish increased. My heart grew hot within me… I meditated… Show me, O Lord… how fleeting is my life… Each man’s life is but a breath. Selah.” Psalms 39:2-5
David (King David of Israel), seems to have been in a great strait when he penned psalm 39, and, upon some account or other, very uneasy; for it is with some difficulty that he conquers his passion, and composes his spirit himself to take that good counsel which he had given to others in Psalm 37, to rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him, without fretting; for it is easier to give the good advice than to give the good example of quietness under affliction. What was the particular trouble which gave occasion for the conflict David was now in does not appear. Perhaps it was the death of some dear friend or relation that was the trial of his patience, and that suggested to him these meditations of morality; and at the same time, it should seem too, he himself was weak and ill, and under some prevailing distemper. His enemies likewise were seeking advantages against him, and watched for his halting, that they might have something to reproach him for.
Solitary confinement is a form of imprisonment distinguished by living in single cells with little or no meaningful contact to other inmates, strict measures to control contraband, and the use of additional security measures and equipment. Albert Woodfox, the longest-standing solitary confinement prisoner in the USA, was held in isolation in a six-by-nine-foot cell almost continuously for 43 years. He was released from a Louisiana jail in February 19, 2016.
The isolation of solitary confinement can cause anguish, provoke serious mental and physical health problems, and work against rehabilitation for juveniles. Solitary confinement can worsen both short- and long-term psychological and physical problems or make it more likely that such problems will develop. It is the practice of isolating people in closed cells for 22-24 hours a day, virtually free of human contact, for periods of time ranging from days to decades. Few prison systems use the term “solitary confinement”, instead referring to prison“segregation” or placement in “restrictive housing”.
On the contrary, solitude is one of the most important disciplines for the inner man (your spirit). Solitude is for being alone with God. It is an opportunity to focus on your intimacy to Jesus Christ, to unhook from your daily responsibilities and the people you interact with, in order to attend to the Lord alone. It is the creation of an open, empty space in our lives by purposely abstaining from interaction with other human beings, so that, freed from competing loyalties, we can be found by God. Read about Moses (Exodus 33:7, 11) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:9, 12).
Bible says 'Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35). "Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16).
A news item on China Global Television Network (CGTN) triggered the writing of this post. There were 2 seperate news items: the first is about a prisoner in Burkina Faso who discovered his talent in music and released his first album whilst in prison. He had 2 more years to serve. The other news item is about a TB patient in South Africa, who during his isolation and hospitalization thought about coming up with an effective way to dispense drugs on time to patients. He suffered severe delays in receiving his medication and this caused him a lot of pain and frustrations. Both gentlemen discovered their talent and breakthrough in solitary confinement. Solitary Confinement in the sense of incarceration in a prison may be extreme and detrimental but there are times that God allows us to face life challenges to draw our attention to Him. When everyone else seem not to care, turn to God. Moses, Joseph and David are biblical examples of great men who left their comfort zones into solitary confinement and were as a result catapulted into glory.
Because we are living in an era of multiple support system from family, friends, colleagues, institutions et cetera we are quick to seek for help from them. We remove God from the equation, complain and blame others for not helping. We look at the negative side of issues instead of searching within for answers. Turn to God, cut off all life support and restle with God.
Sometimes it is necessary to cut off from instant solution workers and turn to God in times of life threatening challenges. Challenges they say, present new opportunities.
