Sometimes I feel completely alone.
I’m not talking about times I’m by myself; sometimes I need
that. I mean that even with my husband, daughter, family, friends, and
co-workers, there are times I still feel alone and lonely.
Maybe you know what I’m talking about.
When it feels like there’s no one to talk to.
No one who understands or has time for you.
No one who cares what you have to say, or is interested your
dreams and goals.
I’m not trying to throw a pity party here, but let’s face
it—sometimes the course of life leaves us feeling alone in this world.
Friends turn.
Children stray.
Loved ones pass.
Marriages crumble.
Loneliness is a part
of life—a part we don’t understand. In fact, sometimes I wonder why it
seems like God wants me alone.
Perhaps it’s to draw
me closer to Him so He can be the center of my life.
Not unlike He’s done before…
Joseph must have known loneliness as he sat in prison for
something he didn’t do, wondering if he’d see his father and brothers again.
But God never left him.
But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden. Genesis 39:21 NLT
Moses was surrounded by the Israelites as he led them from
place to place in the desert. And yet, his wife and sons were not with him;
they were living safely with her father, Jethro. And now the very nation he led
to freedom was turning on him. But Moses knew God was still there.
Then Moses cried out to the Lord, “What should I do with these people? They are ready to stone me!” Exodus 17:4 NLT
David was alone and on the run from Saul, having had to
leave behind his family and best friend Jonathan. But he knew God was there to
answer and guide him.
“…will Saul actually come as I have heard? O Lord, God of Israel, please tell me.”And the Lord said, “He will come.”Again David asked, “Will the leaders of Keilah betray me and my men to Saul?”And the Lord replied, “Yes, they will betray you.” 1 Samuel 23:11-12 NLT
Certainly, Jesus knew what it felt like to be alone and to
have others turn on Him, even those He considered friends. But He knew His
Father was with Him.
But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. John 16:32 NLT
We may feel alone and lonely at times, but just as God was
with Joseph, Moses, David, and Jesus, He’s here with us too.
As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5b NIV
God wants to draw us
close and promises to never leave us, no matter how alone we may feel.
Maybe the question is whether we’re leaning into His
embrace, or struggling against Him.
Has there been a time in your life when you felt alone,
despite who was around you?
In Christ,
Laura
Linking up with The Weekend Brew, Sharing His Beauty, Unforced Rhythms, Give Me Grace, Coffee for Your Heart, Whimsical Wednesdays, #TellHisStory, Everyday Jesus
Laura: Your examples here from scripture are so very comforting. What a glorious reminder that we are not alone in our feeling of aloneness. I, too, have found that God uses these time to pull me closer to himself. Still, though, it is hard. Thank you for your willingness to speak the truth of your aching. And for linking at Unforced Rhythms.
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I can count on Him and Him alone. Sometimes my family [kids, grandkids, sisters, etc.] look forward to seeing/knowing me. BUT He is the One Who reaches in and around and about. I have MANY Bhutanese and Ugandans who accept and love me as a special. And He's the reason. And even if others go away, I can rely upon Him, b/c HE will always show love, acceptance, encouragement. Thanks for sharing. Haven't seen you for a while, but maybe I have paid enough attention. But, as I indicated, good to see you.
ReplyDeleteI know I still feel alone sometimes, even in a crowded room, or at home with my family. In those times, I know there are deeper issues and I must run into God's arms for the affirmation and love I seek. Thanks for linking up with The Weekend Brew!
ReplyDeleteOh yes I have felt this way! In a world that focuses on couples it can feel very lonely as a single person. I love the scripture references and the perspective that you brought to these amazing biblical leaders. Blessed to be visiting you from Whimsical Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteAh, Laura-girl. I totally get this. I feel like this especially on hard days as an army wife, even if my hubs is still in the same zip code. I DO feel alone sometimes, but it is in those moments that I need to really focus on God's presence. Thanks for sharing this encouragement over at #EverydayJesus. Love you much.
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ReplyDeleteI can relate...I have felt like this many times and I'm grateful for how when I lean into God, His arms catch me...blessings to you :)
Amen. But even in our loneliness we aren't alone. God is always there, dispelling the darkness!!!
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