Matthew 6:6 English Standard Version (ESV) But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

We all need some privacy. While I do not personally know anyone who has a primary emotional need for privacy, I cannot rule it out. This differs from isolation because we choose to get away from distractions, noise, and others. The reasons vary. I like privacy to meditate. Maybe you want to read a book or listen to the wind in the trees as you walk through the forest. Privacy doesn’t always have a goal.

Then there is the privacy people seek because they know that what they are doing is unacceptable. Bomb makers like privacy. That which is hidden in the intents of the heart may be well served in privacy.

I haven’t had privacy in decades.

Psalm 139:7-10 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁷ Where shall I go from your Spirit?
    Or where shall I flee from your presence?
⁸ If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
    If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
⁹ If I take the wings of the morning
    and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
¹⁰ even there your hand shall lead me,
    and your right hand shall hold me.

No one is truly alone, even if they do not believe. Unbelief does not affect God’s presence.

Hebrews 10:24-25 English Standard Version (ESV) ²⁴ And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, ²⁵ not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

In ancient times connection was a primary need for survival. The tribal mentality demanded loyalty as a motive for survival of the community. It may have shifted away from that primary need but is still alive today and thriving in stadiums around the world. Common interests make for communal bonding and rivalries.

Connections can be personal in groups as small as two. The primary emotion is loneliness. Isolation is a form of punishment. Self-imposed isolation is dangerous to the soul and society.

Fellowship is meant to be healthy for everyone. The Christianity offers the widest variety and opportunity to meet the emotional needs for connection by the healthiest means. This is not to say that good works cannot be achieved by other gatherings, clubs and organizations. It is only meant to glorify God and not the effort.

Good works abound in many arenas of life. No one should dismiss the efforts to do good by organizations that gather likeminded peoples to achieve a worthy goal. Since this is a Christian devotional I seek to glorify God. The need for community is not restricted to religious gatherings.

We are a multifaceted people and we can care about more than one issue. How much emotional satisfaction is connected to community is personal. You can make it your life’s work to the point of neglect in every other aspect of your life.

What have we sacrificed to achieve satisfaction in emotional connections?