What causes a toddler to experience separation anxiety? In short, some children become unsettled when separated from their primary caregiver—the one who provides him or her with a sense of security.
Even though as children we grow out of this phase of development, there may still be occasions that cause us to experience separation anxiety: Our first sleepover, going away to college, moving thousands of miles away from family and friends, the experience of a marital separation or divorce, being separated by those we love through death. . .
Where separation can cause anxiety, the lack of separation can bring peace, comfort, and security.
The apostle Paul writes about this confident security in Romans 8:38-39: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Absolutely nothing can separate Christ followers from the love of God!
Sometimes circumstances cause us to feel like we are all alone, or that those in the world are against us. The apostle Paul wants us to be fully convinced, as he was, that God’s love for us is not dependent on how we feel, the opposition of others, or the way circumstances appear.
God’s love for us is immeasurably strong and enduring and will never be severed! Reminding ourselves of this truth and choosing to consistently trust in it will result in a lifestyle characterized by resting in the care of the one who loves us the most. As a result of resting in God’s eternal love, we receive His peace, comfort, and security—in place of our anxious feelings.
Are you outgrowing separation anxiety by growing in your trust in Christ’s love?