I saw this quote on a friend’s Facebook page: “It’s not that I feel alone because I have no friends. I have lots of friends. I know that I have people who can hold me and reassure me and talk to me and care for me and think of me. But they can’t be inside my head with me all the time—for all time.”
Loneliness is a reality that all human beings experience at one time or another. Albert Einstein once said, “It is strange to be known so universally and yet be so lonely.” Jesus understands our loneliness. During His earthly ministry He saw it in the eyes of lepers, heard it in the voices of the blind, and felt it in the touch of the pressing masses. But above all, He experienced it when His close friends deserted Him.
As He foretold the disciples’ desertion, however, He also confessed His unshaken confidence in His Father’s abiding presence. He said, “But the time is coming— indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving Me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with Me” (John 16:32).
Jesus knew the ultimate cure for loneliness, and He shared it with us. He told us that isolation doesn’t need to lead to loneliness—for we have the abiding presence of the Father with us. God is eternal and omniscient and omnipresent. Only He could be with us all the time, for all time.
After Jesus said His words of comfort to the disciples (John 16:22), He took up the cross and the curse of loneliness for us. He made it possible for you and me to have a restored relationship with God and to be a member of His family—all the time, for all time.
More:
Read Isaiah 41:10 to discover God’s assurance. Read 1 Kings 19:8-15 to see how God dealt with Elijah when he felt he was the only prophet left in Israel.
Next:
Who or what do you normally turn to when you feel lonely? How could you learn to recognize God’s abiding presence?
Tyla808 on January 26, 2011 at 2:03 am
What an awesome word of encouragement! Amen and Amen!
kadoshkudus on January 26, 2011 at 2:05 am
Yes, Jesus. I believe You’re always beside me all of my life long. Even though I walk through the valley of darkness. I believe You will never leave me. Thank You Jesus.
jstabel on January 26, 2011 at 4:40 am
Jesus remains the only cure for loneliness.A friend smokes when lonely,another drinks, while others indulge in immoral acts but only Christ can be ‘inside our head’ all the time when we need it the most.
lindagma on January 26, 2011 at 6:53 am
This was my “warm fuzzy” for the day. What I particularly find an immeasurable comfort is that I can talk to my Heavenly Father about anything. My deepest fears, my utmost failures, my hopes and dreams, my biggest frustrations…and know that he cares and he loves me unconditionally. Even your best friend cannot measure up and will eventually fall short…Jesus is my blessed confidant. I can tell Him anything.
Pisces1984 on January 26, 2011 at 7:02 am
I like all these sentences. I’m a lonely person although I had a lot of friends. When I am alone, I can pray to God. I usually don’t show to people when I’m praying or when I talk to God. I can concentrate my work more better when I’m alone. It’s also my type as a loner. I can spend more time with God when I’m alone.
eppistle on January 26, 2011 at 7:14 am
Thanks for the comforting words. Jesus actually said it was to our advantage that He would leave the earth (John 16:7). It was because He would send the Holy Spirit as a counselor. The word “counselor” means “a person summoned to one’s aid.” It may refer to an advisor, a legal advocate, a mediator or intercessor. The Holy Spirit is the one who can ‘be inside my head with me all the time” so I am never truly all alone. He is there to give me aid whenever I need Him.
KrisB on January 26, 2011 at 8:40 am
Thanks for the lovely word this morning. It has brought me such peace being reminded God is with me all the time, for all time.
AManofGod on January 26, 2011 at 5:04 pm
This truly spoke to my heart today. I have been experiencing quite a bit of loneliness since the end of my marriage and I know I should focus on God to fill those needs….yet it is hard sometimes. Please pray for me ODJ family….as I learn to accept the will of God and His compassion and companionship in all things.
AManofGod
reeza40 on January 26, 2011 at 10:10 pm
Thanks for the word of encouragement. I am alone taking care of my daughter who is sick right now & I felt relieved that my God is there & sees us. Although nobody would help me face this situation all mothers fear, but the presence of Heavenly Father assured me that He is my greatest help. You are my greatest treasure, Lord. Thank you so much for abiding in me.
serenity70407 on March 7, 2011 at 8:42 pm
amen! We are never really alone, God is with us!