“I’m So Lonely I Could….”

Perhaps the most common malady of the soul in our sophisticated age today is loneliness. Whether married or single, rich or poor, a teenager, mid–lifer, or senior citizen, loneliness can strike and depart with the sudden intensity of a summer storm or linger like an arctic winter.

We can be lonely while in the center of activity at work or at home. Laughing and staying busy may help us for a while, but they cannot pierce the darkness of our loneliness. And while each of us sometimes need a brief moment of quite-time for God to refresh and renew our weary souls, long-drawn-out times of isolation can still bring numbing loneliness of the soul.

There are no easy answers for handling loneliness. There are no prefabricated steps out of its debilitating, depressing grip. However, there is a way out of the wilderness, out of the quagmire. Our loneliness can become a pathway to God. It may not be a well–marked trail (for each person must walk his own); but God will illuminate the path to the man, woman, or young person willing to turn to Him in their moments of loneliness.

God Knows How You Feel

One of the most comforting truths of the Bible is that we have a Savior God who understands our emotions.

“Since then, the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same . … ”

Hebrews 2:14

“Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest. …”

Hebrews 2:17

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses. … ”

Hebrews 4:15

Because Jesus became man, He shares in the full range of our feelings. While loneliness is not sin (although it can lead to sin through attempts to gain acceptance), it is part of our frail humanity. Isaiah 53:3 says that Jesus was “despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. … ” Christ understands your loneliness for He, too, was lonely at times.

His ministry that brought healing and blessing to multitudes also brought rejection and misunderstanding. Although He traveled with the disciples for several years, they seldom communicated on the same wave length.

Jesus can help you during your bouts with loneliness. According to Matthew 11:28–30, Jesus says, Come to me, all you who are troubled and weighted down with care, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (Bible in Basic English) Why can you bring your feelings of loneliness to Him in confidence that He will help you? Then let us come near to the seat of grace without fear, so that mercy may be given to us, and we may get grace for our help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (BBE)

It is Jesus' claim that the weary search for God ends in himself. He gives himself to the pure in heart. He asks nothing but our attention." The way to know God is not by mental search, but by giving attention to Jesus Christ, for in him we see what God is like.

...Ho! everyone in need, come to the waters, and he who has no strength, let him get food: come, get bread without money; wine and milk without price. Why do you give your money for what is not bread, and the fruit of your work for what will not give you pleasure? Give ear to me, so that your food may be good, and you may have the best in full measure.

Give ear, and come to me, take note with care, so that your souls may have life: and I will make an eternal agreement with you, even the certain mercies of David.

Isaiah 55:1-3 (BBE)

God Bless!

SNT