“Separation Anxiety” 

Matthew 1:18-25

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By Adrianna Steele

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Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.

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It seemed like it happened overnight. All of the sudden, my little girl, who, just yesterday, was so content playing independently would start to cry when I stepped just a few feet away but out of sight. We were now in the dreaded phase of separation anxiety, a term that I heard all the time from new parents but never truly understood until now. 

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Sometimes in the Christian walk, we can also experience separation anxiety with our heavenly Father. It may come up in seasons that feel unbearable. Other times we can feel it when we haven’t been spending much time seeking the Lord, things feel mundane, or we have fallen prey to sin. No matter where you find yourself today, I want to assure you that God is with you. 

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God’s plan has always been to dwell with His people. From the Garden of Eden, to the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night for the Israelites, to the story of Advent we celebrate this month, we see God’s relentless pursuit to be in communion with us. Jesus left His throne in glory to be with us. 

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During His time on earth, Jesus felt the full spectrum of human emotion. He was tempted in every way and yet was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). This not only demonstrates His holiness as the perfect sacrifice for our sins; it also shows us that He understands every temptation we have and will endure. He was despised and rejected by men, well acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3). He understands every pain, grief, and sorrow we experience in this fallen world. He is the one who is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us (Romans 8:34), and He is with us every breath and every step along the way. Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39).

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REFLECT: 

• The holidays can bring up  many conflicting emotions. What are you feeling today?
• How does the knowledge that Jesus experienced those same emotions shed light on your experience?
• Identify one area of your life you have been feeling alone in. Invite the Holy Spirit to be with you and lead you in that area (John 16:13).