September 24, 2021
“I had to do it; I was desperate,” a friend confessed some years back.
To avoid the intense loneliness, she had placed a sign on her front yard that read, “I need a friend.”
Most wouldn’t take that step, a bit bold and daring. But when loneliness gnaws during long days and dark nights, we take drastic measures to end that I feel so alone sentiment.
And when it lingers, here are two steps to avoid the kind of loneliness that can drag us to despair:
Step #1: Open your heart to the Lord. Yes, He knows it all. But He delights when we snuggle in His arms and pour out our heart. Without reservation, tell Him what your deepest longings and share with Him what keeps you awake at night. [The following words are from an anonymous writer]
Lord, sometimes my days seem like an endless echo of distant drums tormenting my soul and whispering sounds of sorrow.
My hours pass like homeless beggars, aimlessly shuffling to and for searching for shelter.
I thirst for company, for comfort, for words to quench my parched soul.
Minutes drag and mock me with more sounds of loneliness like sips of bitter poison, and the tomorrow’s laugh at what my destiny holds.
Will time creep by until I reach the end? And though people all around crowd in on me?
Still loneliness juts through like weeds in an empty and abandoned field.
Step #2: Wait patiently to hear His voice, to feel His touch and to be ready to step into the freedom of His love.
This morning, after a black sleepless night
A stranger visited me—
A glimpse of light from the horizon
As if the sun rose within me,
Your Words Lord, the same ones that had been lost in the web of confusion broke free to brush against my soul.
The psalmist echoes what my own heart holds.
Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long.
Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord,
I lift up my soul. You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.
Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy.
In the day of my trouble, I will call to you, for you will answer me. (Psalm 86:1-7)
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
God whispers:
In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you. (Isaiah 54:14)
Loneliness vanishes when we allow God’s Word to become the companion of our soul. When we welcome His reassuring comfort. When we invite Him to lay beside us. When we proclaim He is enough to satisfy our deepest longing, to end our sad moments and silence our most desperate cries. He’s near, able and He’s true to each Word He whispers to our soul.
Let’s Pray
Father, thank You for transforming my lonely moments to lovely sessions with You as You fill me with Your comfort and Your peace. In Jesus’ name.
What is your next step to overcome your loneliness?
Janet
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