Refined: Better Together, Day Seven

“One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;
he rebels against all sound wisdom.“

Proverbs 18:1 CSB

All the introverts unite (in their pjs in their own homes)!

Do you need time alone to recharge and refuel after extended time with others? I feel ya! It is healthy to understand our body’s need for REST –spiritually, emotionally and physically– and to create space for those needs. But how often do we go too far and allow our ME time to ruin our WE time?

Developing meaningful relationships often means sacrificing our personal time in order to spend time with others. When you evaluate your relationships, do you have friends or family that you make time for regularly? Do you have people you’ve invested time in to truly know each other? Do you have friends you can laugh with until your belly hurts?

If the answer is no (or “I used to”) I have a hard truth for you: If we don’t invest in our relationships, we won’t reap the rewards. It’s time to stop making excuses (“I’m new in town/I can’t find a church/I’m shy”) and start making friends!

Let’s Pray:

1.) Ask God if there is something you do out of “selfish desires” that you need to scale back on. Write it down in your journal. (This can be over-indulgence disguised as self-care, so don’t skip over this one!)

2.) Make a list of things you enjoy doing to relax. How could you invite others into enjoying these activities with you?

3.) When do you tend to isolate yourself? Is there something else God wants to do to recharge you in those moments? Write in your journal ways God wants to refuel you spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally.