Lonely boat on the sea by Mark Yang
Have You Ever Felt Lonely?
I remember times in my life where the loneliness felt palpable and intolerable. I would turn to external entertainment for solace only to find that it would make me feel worse. How awful it was to have so many channels but nothing to watch. How painful it was to stand in a crowd of people, but see only strangers. There is a tremendous difference between being alone and being lonely.
Today, I enjoy being alone. This gives me time to read, to write, to think, and to pray.
Today, I am never lonely. I have a constant companion. No, it’s not my cat. Although I do enjoy the company of my feline friend, he is only an animal. He cannot offer me advice and guidance, or provide me with peace and hope. No, I am speaking of my Forever Friend, Jesus.
When He was on the earth, He walked and talked with His disciples. Days before His death He spoke of One who would be with His disciples always – the Holy Spirit.
I am never lonely, even when I am alone. I have God with me at all times. I can talk with Him out loud, or in my mind, or on paper. I can listen to Him through the Holy Spirit as He speaks to my heart.
I know that God is with me when the world seems bleak and the blankets are heavy; those days that I don’t even want to get out of bed. I know that God is with me as I dance around my living room celebrating my latest accomplishment. I know that God is with me when I don’t understand what is happening around me; when a baby is diagnosed with autism, when an aunt discovers she has breast cancer, or when a friend’s marriage dissolves. I know that God is with me as I putter around the home, picking up toys, cleaning toilets and hanging laundry.
I learned the term “Forever Friend” at a children’s vacation Bible school and I find it very fitting. Jesus is our friend. He is my friend. He is your friend – forever.
What comfort I have knowing now that I am never truly alone and I will never feel lonely again.
Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39 NIV).
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I am never lonely, even when I am alone. I have God with me at all times.
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