I’m Not Alone
Have you ever been lonely?
I have, and it’s not fun. The emotions we feel, and the thoughts that go through our minds can be defeating and deceiving. There’s no doubt that we are vulnerable in being lonely, and we need God to walk through it.
One of the challenging aspects of life is loneliness, and for most of us, we will go through this at some point. Sometimes we’re lonely because we’re doing the right thing and we’re following God’s plan. Sometimes it’s because the enemy is trying to isolate us. Or it’s because we do not fit in with the crowd and or we’ve had a loss, and now, we’re by ourselves. These reasons and more are why we can be lonely. I know this doesn’t seem encouraging, but it’s the truth.
However, there’s a greater truth: in God, I’m not alone!
This is comforting and challenging because God is with us, and He’s our comfort. At the same time, we can’t see God in person at this moment, which can feed the feeling of being lonely when in reality, God is right there.
Have you been in this spot?
I know I have. While I’ve navigated being alone physically, I’ve reached for Jesus because I’m not alone spiritually. The dichotomy of this reality is one of the most challenging things we’ll balance in our lives, but there’s good news.
God is bigger than anything we face, even being lonely!
“3. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. 4. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. 5. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.”
Psalms 139:3-5
I love these verses because they cover everything. Whenever we leave our house and travel anywhere, God is with us. Whenever we stay at home, and we’re resting, God is there. Furthermore, He goes before me and behind and puts His hand of blessing on our heads. This means He’s protecting and blessing us day by day. He even knows our words, both good and bad, and still, He’s there.
To me, these three verses are a complete picture of our lives in that, no matter what, God is there! Moreover, He’s blessing us along the way. I believe that His hand of blessing contains peace, joy, love, provision, grace, mercy, loving-kindness, His promises, healing, and so much more. This is not only what we want; this is what we need!
Our challenge is to take being lonely physically and give it to God spiritually. This is huge because what we do when we’re lonely can determine our future trajectory. It’s in these moments that we can grow closer to God and discover a deeper connection with Him and thus, be strengthened and empowered in His plan for our lives.
Are you lonely right now?
If you are, I know what this feels like. When I got back from Bible College, all my friends were gone, and I was staying alone. On Friday nights, I was in my room seeking God, alone. My college friends were getting married, and I went back to my parent’s basement, alone. I was working at the church, doing my best, and then going to my room alone. In many ways, I was alone.
This reality didn’t change overnight but, as I look back at it, I got closer to God. This would be pivotal because what I didn’t know is that, God was getting ready to bring life long friends, future staff members and my wife into my life. Everything would change for the good but what I did when I was lonely, prepared me for what God was doing.
I believe the same is for you!
Right now, God is preparing more than you see or understand for your life. Furthermore, He knows what it’s like to be lonely and He is able to comfort you and stand beside you.
His promise is true in Hebrews 13:8, “I will never leave, nor forsake you.”
No matter where you are or what you’re facing, Jesus is with you! He is a very present help in the time of trouble (See Psalms 46:1) and He’s able to do the impossible in your life.
The truth is this, I’m not alone!
Maybe say that right now, I’m not alone.
That’s right. God is with you in this moment and wherever you go, whatever you do, He’s there with you.
My encouragement is this, first, connect daily, be praying and reading His word. Give God a chance to be real to you no matter what you’re feeling or facing. Second, be intentional with being at church. This is big because when we do this, God will bring people around us to help us along the way. We need to do both of these things when we’re lonely.
I’m not alone! God is with you and through Him, anything can happen.
I pray that this year, you move closer to God, you hear His voice, feel His presence and know His heart.
God bless you and the best is yet to come!
PD