The Great Andamanese is one of the most ancient people groups, a collection of 10 tribes tracing their lineage directly back to the first people who migrated out of Africa. These tribes have slowly dwindled over the past few centuries. One of the tribes had only one survivor remaining, Boa Sr.—a woman with no children and failing eyesight. After Boa’s husband died, she was no longer able to speak to anyone in her native language (Bo).
Anvita Abbi, a linguist professor, communicated with Boa through a local Hindi dialect and an amalgamated version of all the tribal languages. Though Boa was proud to be the surviving remnant of her tribe, she felt alone and longed for her traditional life, her ways, her people. Professor Abbi remembers how “[Boa] always said she wanted to go back to the place where she was born.” Sadly, in February of 2010, Boa died, and the Bo language (along with an entire people) vanished.
In her last years, Boa’s sadness and isolation must have been an awful burden, a terrible kind of loneliness. For many, the experience of being alone—having no one who truly knows and understands them—yields deep sorrow. The death of a parent. The end of a marriage. The dissolution of a friendship. There are so many ways to feel alone.
God offers an assuring word to those in a lonely place: “I, the LORD, made you” (Isaiah 44:21). Since God is our Maker (Isaiah 44:24), He knows us in ways more intimate than any human ever could. Even when human companionship eludes us (and this is a true sorrow—because we are intended to experience human connection), we can rejoice in the God who hasn’t abandoned us (Isaiah 44:23). “I will not forget you,” God insists (Isaiah 44:21). We will never truly be alone!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 2 Kings 22:1–23:3
More:
Read Hebrews 13:5. What do these words speak into your heart? What’s the connection between God’s presence and real satisfaction?
Next:
Name the places and the moments where you’ve felt (or currently feel) most alone. How does it make you feel to know that you’ll never be truly alone because of God’s presence?
Gary Shultz on April 27, 2015 at 7:41 am
Thankfully I do not often encounter feelings of loneliness. In the “”Next” section you speak of the presence of God. Ok, credit where credit is due. A little wile ago you slipped me one small piece of information. You did not really explain it or offer more facts about it, except for keeping your life in order the “Prayer of Examen” was helpful. I’m glad you did not offer more information, we’ll credit your great wisdom at this time, because I had to find out what, where, how, and why this “Prayer of Examen” was relevant. I even read a little book by Saint Lawrence which showed the practice of being in the presence of God. I did not think an old dog could rocket himself into a stage of spiritual satisfaction and wholeness as the practice began. What a revelation as you begin to practice it, and practice it you must, it does not come naturally, but it does come easier as time is invested. I have no great story, visions, or spectacular happenings, just being closer to God’s presence is much more in that relationship. I don’t often mention names for fear someone would be forgotten, but Mr. Winn Collier, your sharing made a big difference in my relationship, thanks for the hand up. Many of the other articles have been wonderful and have great insight. That’s the neat thing, all of this covers many people in many way in many places. The whole thing for me was started by another article by Jennifer. So the Spirit uses how, when, and what is needed in each situation. And yes, it would have been hard to say all of that as a one liner. Thank you all.
Winn Collier on April 27, 2015 at 7:58 am
Thank you for sharing this, Gary. I take a lot of joy from the grace you are encountering. Peace to you today.
Tom Felten on April 27, 2015 at 10:51 am
Winn, I’m so grateful the Holy Spirit indwells and comforts us—as believers in Jesus—and that we also have the Body of Christ to provide fellowship and encouragement as well. God truly has provided means for us to experience relationship!
Winn Collier on April 27, 2015 at 11:28 am
a new community of friendship and belonging, a family – yes indeed
BearPair on April 29, 2015 at 7:32 am
Excellent devo, Winn… Loneliness truly is a devastating pain, one that is suffered by far more people than we might imagine. Thanks for this superb reminder of God’s faithful promises to us… He DOES remember us!
Winn Collier on April 29, 2015 at 7:44 am
Yes, God does — and this is our deep hope.