When I Am Lonely, I Am Reminded of God’s Presence
Ever feel lonely? No matter how many people who surround you on a Sunday morning? You feel left out of something–something intangible. You aren’t unhappy; you just feel lonely and alone. If you try to describe what you are going through, no one understands. When my husband resigned his church in Kentucky and we moved to Oklahoma, I felt this loneliness. Even though I was thrilled to be with my family, there was something missing. I missed the fellowship of friends. I missed the familiarity of routine, of places I frequented.
I’ve also had times of extreme loneliness when I am attacked by someone for reasons I cannot understand. I search my mind for words and conversations I’ve had. I retrace my steps and consider everything I’ve done. When I come up with no answers, I feel very alone. I want to reconcile and restore a relationship but do not know where to start. A slight, an outright betrayal. There are times in life we all find ourselves suffering, filled with sorrow for a situation we cannot change.
“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces, he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Isaiah 53:3
Can you imagine having been fully in the presence of God Himself, without a single person to interrupt your time with Him? Can you comprehend sitting at your father’s feet, sharing joy and dancing in perfect union, with total harmony? It’s hard to grasp, but I can imagine how great it would be. It’s what I long for. It’s during my lonely times I am reminded of how much Jesus gave up to come to earth to provide me an eternal presence with Him. I am reminded how very lonely He was among men. Who could He possibly turn to for understanding? Who on earth could be the friend He needed to share the future that lay ahead? Who could befriend Him, could listen and empathize? Who could hear Him, and shoulder His burdens? Who could relate to the joys of His past–the freedom from flesh, the comfort of perfection? Who could possibly relate to the relationship He had with His Father in heaven? Who could endure the ridicule and harassment he endured, and live with it, without a friend on earth to turn to for encouragement? Who could He trust with His heart? I dare say, no one.
I believe loneliness is part of the reason Jesus spent so much time with the Father in prayer. He needed His strength, His empowerment, His companionship. Why? Because there is no other companionship on earth which could ever equal that of the Creator’s.
Loneliness has no standards or fundamental rules. When one is lonely, he longs for companionship. Sometimes I think I need a person to talk to, to email, to call, to have lunch with. Other times I need more. Whenever I feel this great loneliness seep into my heart, I am certain of one thing–I need Jesus. Only He can fill my empty spaces. Sometimes He brings me a friend to talk to. Sometimes He gives me extra attention from my husband or a family member. But I know it is Jesus who fills this void completely.
© Hariette Petersen, SelahV Today, 2010
Thank you so much for sharing. I am currently feeling this great loneliness and it feels as though there is an abyss deep within me. One of the reasons why I’m feeling this way is because I am very far away from my husband and his absence is really taking a toll on me. I find this article really encouraging as it reminds me of what Jesus has done for us and that Jesus is indeed the one who will fill that gap. Thank you.
Thank you verymuch for sharing this to me in this week, I am Thai and I am a housewife,often I feel lonely and frustrated not sure what to do after my yougest one go school in May.I want to do something to make money and works with my schdule this to help my husband about payment. your story brings peace to my heart/
thanks
This is so comforting. I often feel like I’m can’t fit in, even among my friends and family and this is a great reminder of the comfort God gives. Thank you.
I can fully understand where you are coming from. I come from a large family none of which follow God, and this can case me to feel very lonely at times. But with words like these can bring encouragement. I know I’m never really alone, because i know God is closew by me.
thank you
Isn’t it wonderful that our Lord knows our suffering. Loneliness, sadness, grief, anger. No matter what we are going through, he is right there with us.
Thank you for sharing your story and insights. During those times when we feel alone, Jesus is right there with us and his Spirit leads and comforts us.
God Bless,
Sandy Groom
hopeforhurtinghearts.blogspot.com
I am lonely now . My husband is one room away. He reads the Bible constantly. Not a bad thing but I lie here alone night after night ,week after week. I need to get to that place where Jesus is my all in all. You do encourage me to at least look up.