11.24.25 ~ The Isolating Heart Attack
Good morning!
Within the past week, I had a dear friend lose a loved one via a heart attack. Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death in America. Fortunately, because of modern medicine, with the use of stents, bi-pass surgery and even heart replacement life can continue. The physical can teach us a lot about the spiritual (1 Cor. 15:46).
Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. (1 Cor. 15:46)
The biblical idea of a heart attack is slightly different, but in the end they both separate. One is a physical separation from this life and the other is a consciousness of separation from God. Both come from being overwhelmed/ataph with life and feeling alone in the world (Psa. 61:2; 77:3; 102:1; 107:5; 142:3,4).
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psa. 61:2)
Internally, when we feel overwhelmed/ataph it describes that agonizing feeling of isolation; where no one really knows you; where your inner strife convinces you that if anyone else knew your darkest secrets, you would be rejected as unworthy of love. This is the most concerning heart attack.
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privately laid a snare for me. I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. (Psa. 142:3,4)
Hatred is not the opposite of love, isolation is. Hate is a word of action, a devoted intensity that has both positive and negative application. Hate is ambivalent. It's a 2 sided coin. David hated those who opposed the Lord and that's a good hate. Hate also displays itself in violence/hamas.
Isolation is not ambivalent. Isolation is that experience of being unworthy, of having no value, of knowing that who you really are under the surface pretense is unacceptable to you and to others. Isolation is the world of addictive medication, the place where there is nothing left except the pain that must be silenced. Isolation is a world without compassion, care or concern. It is the heart attack of being completely alone. And between you, me and the fence post, it's the worst of all the feelings!
Isolation is not solitude. We all need solitude, especially in the midst of this 'rat race' we call life. Isolation is the absence of connection, the last step before extinction! To love is to be in harmony with the universe. Experiencing isolation is just the opposite. To be isolated is the feeling that you don't belong; you're home, but not at home. A stranger in a strange and foreboding land. To be absent from others, from God and from oneself. Heart attacks are isolating events. Suddenly you are cast into a place where there is no exit, no retreat, no bond. The world caves in on you and you are left in the dark. Alone. King David knew this feeling all too well. He knew if it wasn't for God's presence, heart attack is the reality!
You may know what I'm talking about. That place where no one really knows you, where there is no way out without revealing the things that kept you isolated and afraid. Perhaps your life is under attack from some inner 'demon', constructed by a lifetime of medicating fear. And now there is no place else to go. Now you feel the breath of your life escaping and death, spiritual or physical, is right there, staring you in the face. Wow! The realities of our lives.
In this week's Torah portion we are going to find out that there is a man who passionately pursues a marital relationship to fend off the emptiness of being alone, while fulfilling the call in His life. How will the story end? Zoom call tonight at 8:00 p.m. EST 699 858 9149
Shalom!
Alan
Happy Thanksgiving (1 Thess. 5:18)
Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. (1 Cor. 15:46)
The biblical idea of a heart attack is slightly different, but in the end they both separate. One is a physical separation from this life and the other is a consciousness of separation from God. Both come from being overwhelmed/ataph with life and feeling alone in the world (Psa. 61:2; 77:3; 102:1; 107:5; 142:3,4).
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psa. 61:2)
Internally, when we feel overwhelmed/ataph it describes that agonizing feeling of isolation; where no one really knows you; where your inner strife convinces you that if anyone else knew your darkest secrets, you would be rejected as unworthy of love. This is the most concerning heart attack.
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privately laid a snare for me. I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. (Psa. 142:3,4)
Hatred is not the opposite of love, isolation is. Hate is a word of action, a devoted intensity that has both positive and negative application. Hate is ambivalent. It's a 2 sided coin. David hated those who opposed the Lord and that's a good hate. Hate also displays itself in violence/hamas.
Isolation is not ambivalent. Isolation is that experience of being unworthy, of having no value, of knowing that who you really are under the surface pretense is unacceptable to you and to others. Isolation is the world of addictive medication, the place where there is nothing left except the pain that must be silenced. Isolation is a world without compassion, care or concern. It is the heart attack of being completely alone. And between you, me and the fence post, it's the worst of all the feelings!
Isolation is not solitude. We all need solitude, especially in the midst of this 'rat race' we call life. Isolation is the absence of connection, the last step before extinction! To love is to be in harmony with the universe. Experiencing isolation is just the opposite. To be isolated is the feeling that you don't belong; you're home, but not at home. A stranger in a strange and foreboding land. To be absent from others, from God and from oneself. Heart attacks are isolating events. Suddenly you are cast into a place where there is no exit, no retreat, no bond. The world caves in on you and you are left in the dark. Alone. King David knew this feeling all too well. He knew if it wasn't for God's presence, heart attack is the reality!
You may know what I'm talking about. That place where no one really knows you, where there is no way out without revealing the things that kept you isolated and afraid. Perhaps your life is under attack from some inner 'demon', constructed by a lifetime of medicating fear. And now there is no place else to go. Now you feel the breath of your life escaping and death, spiritual or physical, is right there, staring you in the face. Wow! The realities of our lives.
In this week's Torah portion we are going to find out that there is a man who passionately pursues a marital relationship to fend off the emptiness of being alone, while fulfilling the call in His life. How will the story end? Zoom call tonight at 8:00 p.m. EST 699 858 9149
Shalom!
Alan
Happy Thanksgiving (1 Thess. 5:18)
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