Loneliness is one of the worst experiences we can have. Often the holidays are some of the worst times for feeling lonely. As young people we find ourselves surrounded by people and yet often alone. We spend a lot of time looking for the "one" who will be our great love. When we are old, we often realize that there are few people who really care and many who do care die and leave us, alone.
The Lord knew that loneliness was not a good thing. He says so in Genesis 2: 18. When circumstances find us in a place of loneliness it is good to be reminded of what David wrote in Psalm 34:18 (a),
"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,"
Loneliness often makes us broken hearted. The one we love has died, or left us, or perhaps hasn't even been found yet.
In Deuteronomy 31: 6-8 Moses tells Joshua that God will never leave him nor forsake him. Moses tells Joshua to be strong and courageous because God is with him. In many places, both in the Old and New Testament, God reminds us of this fact. In Psalm 73: 26 David says that if his strength and his heart fail him, he knows that God is the true strength of his heart and David's portion forever. Hebrews 13:5 again promises us that God will never leave or forsake us. In Matthew 28: 20 Jesus promises to be with us always, even to the end of the age.
Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our comforter. The Holy Spirit can lift us out of our loneliness. He shows us, if we are willing to see and hear, that God loves us like no one else can. God really is with us. God really does love us. God really can strengthen us.
We often spend our lives looking for that person who will remove our loneliness, when in reality the only one who can heal our broken hearts is Jesus. When we find Him, when we know Him as our true Savior that is when we can live our lives with confidence, with courage, and with faith that we are never alone.
Growing up I used to sing this hymn called "I've Seen the Lightening Flashing (Never Alone)". This is the first verse,
I’ve seen the lightning flashing
And heard the thunder roll,
I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing,
which tried to conquer my soul;
I’ve heard the voice of my Savior,
He bid me still fight on:
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.
Refrain:
No, never alone,
No, never alone;
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone:
No, never alone,
No, never alone:
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.
If you find yourself alone, don't despair. Jesus has a purpose for you. Seek His will for your life. Be open to the blessings around you. See the good He has for you. Seek out others, because when we reach out to those who are alone, we often find our loneliness lessened. When we see Jesus in those around us, we are reminded of His presence in our very souls. We are truly, never alone.
Enjoy the hymn, Never Alone, click here.
Comments