Friday, November 20, 2015
Do you recall the feeling you got when you realized that someone very dear to you was about to leave you? It may have been that this special person was moving to another state, going on a long trip, or leaving this world altogether. I bet you started feeling lonely even before they actually left. I choose to believe that this is how Jesus’ Disciples felt when he announced He was leaving them, and since He knew what was in their heart at the time, He reassured them, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18 NIV) I like the KJV rendering a little bit more where Jesus said, “I will not leave you comfortless”because the main thing lonely people need is to be comforted.
Many psychiatrists believe that loneliness is among life’s biggest ills and I think many people will agree. The odd thing is that some folks can be lonely even when they are surrounded by family and friends, while others can be totally alone and still not feel lonely. I may be biased, but I believe that folks who trust God and truly love Jesus can never be overcome by loneliness. They are constantly aware of God’s promises to them, in particular Hebrews 13:5 where we are reminded that He will never leave us or forsake us. There are many promises in God’s Word which, when believed, will drive away any loneliness that may try to creep up on us. In fact, many good old hymns of the faith can have the same effect. The message in one particular favorite of mine from long ago, one which I revisit on the internet every now and then, is a great one to listen to and meditate upon whenever lonely thoughts entertain our mind. It is entitled “Never Alone” and I would encourage you to look it up and let it’s message sink into your heart and mind. I bet it will lift up your spirit. In fact, you may want to keep track of it and revisit it the next time you feel lonely.
I hope none of you who are reading this blog are feeling lonely today. If you are, talk to the Lord about it. An old song of the faith, sung by the late Tennessee Ernie Ford, among others, had this great line: “And just a little talk with Jesus makes it right.” That may be all you need, at least I hope so. If you are still struggling with loneliness today, here’s something else you can do. Why not call someone dear to you whom you suspect may be lonely too? In Christ, I bet your little chat will cheer you both up.
Memory verse for the week: (Isaiah 41:13) “For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.”
