Words to Grow On

Archive Devotions

March 21, 2005

I Am Lonely

by:

Leanne Kelly

Most of you know what it feels like to spend a bright, sunshine-filled day with a group of friends at a picnic or amusement park. We even like swapping 'remember when' stories. Few of us are willing to talk about or even admit the times when the dark cloud of loneliness descends into our lives. At these times of dark alone-ness, it seems that our range of visibility is barely six inches in front of us.

Loneliness comes into each of our lives at one time or another for different reasons. Perhaps you are far away from your parents or children. Maybe, while in a group of your peers, your input or ideas were rejected, or you felt misunderstood. Perhaps you have felt the dark cloud of loneliness so long, that you have never connected with another individual.

The reason we feel loneliness so deeply is because God never intended for us to feel lonely. During the account of creation, " The Lord God said, It is not good for the man to be alone." (Genesis 2:18) It is promised to all believers in Hebrews 13:5 that we will never be alone: " . Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Does this mean it is wrong to feel lonely? Absolutely NOT! Should we fear admitting we are lonely? Never!

Elijah was feeling very lonely after the victory on Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18:42 ). His loneliness continued as he ran and hid from Jezebel's call for his death: " . he himself went a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.' Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep." (1 Kings 19:4-5a). God was true to him and will be to you. An angel was sent to provide him food and drink: " All at once an angel touched him and said, 'Get up and eat.' 6 He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.". (1 Kings 19:5b-6)

David admits his loneliness in the Psalms: " Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish.". (Psalm 25:16-17) Even Jesus felt alone in the Garden of Gethsemane ; he was praying while his closest friends kept falling asleep. (Matthew 26:36-46) Paul felt lonely and abandoned as well: " At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me." ".But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength . " (2 Timothy 4:16 -17).

God did not want us to be alone, and yet we have examples of Godly men and women in the Bible who admitted feelings of loneliness. So it must be okay to admit our feelings; God must want to help us out of our loneliness.

If loneliness is something you have been dealing with, admit your feelings to God. He cares for you and wants the best for you. Next admit your feelings to another person. The process of sharing your pain with God and another person will be the start of removing the dark cloud of loneliness.

    Verses that may be of help:

      Exodus 6:10-12         

      Proverbs 18:24         

      John 16:1-16

      1 Kings 19:10           

        Mark 4:30-32

        3 John 5