Loneliness and feelings of isolation are common among Americans in 2024. In spite of technology that allows us to be wired into the world, about a quarter of adults under the age of 40 report having NO close friends. Loneliness at the other end of life, in old age, is even more prevalent among those who are no longer in the workplace or who have lost spouses and/or friends to death. It probably comes as no surprise that all kinds of mental health issues can arise in isolation.
The denial of meaningful human contact can cause ‘isolation syndrome’, with symptoms including anxiety, depression, anger, cognitive disturbances, paranoia, and even suicide. Our need for human interaction is so basic that solitary confinement in our prisons is often used as a disciplinary measure and the threat of being in a cell, alone, for 23 hours a day, is often enough to bring about compliance.
Christian, whether you are 8, 18, 48, or 88 - I want to remind you of a fact - YOU are never alone!
Jesus promised "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:16-18, NIV)
David rejoices in the wonder of the omnipresence of the LORD.
"Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. You hem
me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too
wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?" (Psalm 139:4-7, NIV) Oh that you and I would remember that HE
surrounds us, not in a threatening way, but as a protector, for our comfort.
There is a story from the life of Elisha, the prophet of
Israel, that helps me grasp the promise. Elisha, by the Spirit, was given
knowledge of the enemy king’s movements and tactics, becoming such a threat
that the Syrian king commissioned his intelligence to locate the prophet. When he was found in the village of Dothan a
battalion was sent to kill him.
Seeing the troops drawn up around the town, Elisha’s
servant was filled with terror. But, the
prophet could ‘see’ what the servant did not. Look at this passage! “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those
who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes
so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw
the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."
(2 Kings 6:16-17, NIV)
When we feel isolated or alone, when we are under siege from temptation, trial, hardship, or loss - let’s pray for eyes to see, a heart that knows the Presence of the Lord, Who is always near, always there.
Remember, there a real difference between finding time to be
solitary, to pray, reflect, and understand life better and being alone. Jesus often
withdrew from the company of His disciples to pray. We must learn to find time to
be alone with God though it can be a huge challenge when we are always in the
company of a cell phone, interacting at
all hours of the day with friends and family.
The boundaries between work and rest are blurred for millions who are
expected to be ‘on call’ nearly 24 hours a day. Our televisons tend to be a
source of noise (mistaken by millions for ‘comfort’) and our world becomes increasingly
chaotic, leaving us feeling alone in a crowd!
Cultivate
the habit of finding time in the quiet, of listening to the ‘still, small voice’
of the Spirit. And, yes, it may be obvious,
but I’ll say it anyway - work at creating strong bonds with other Believers, in
times of regular worship and service. Those deep relationships will be a
treasured resource in your life.
Feeling alone? Fact is, you are surrounded by the Presence of God. Lean into that, by faith. Pray to know the warmth of God’s embrace, letting Him love you. “The reality of God’s presence is not dependent on any place, but only dependent upon the determination to set the Lord always before us. Our problems come when we refuse to bank on the reality of His presence. The experience the Psalmist speaks of—“Therefore will we not fear, though. . .”—will be ours when once we are based on Reality; not the consciousness of God’s presence but the reality of it—‘Why, He has been here all the time.’” Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest
Here is a word from the Word. "O Israel, how can you
say the Lord does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear
your case? Have you never heard or understood? Don’t you know that the Lord is
the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to those who
are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become
exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find
new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not
grow weary. They will walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:27-31, NLT)
(Video of this blog at this link)
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I am weak but Thou art strong
Jesus keep me from all wrong
I'll be satisfied as long
As I walk let me walk close to Thee
Just a closer walk with thee
Grant it Jesus is my plea
Daily walking close to Thee
Let it be dear Lord let it be
Through this world of toil and snares
If I falter Lord who cares
Who with me my burden shares
None but Thee dear Lord none but Thee
When my feeble life is o'er
Time for me will be no more
Guide me gently safely o'er
To Thy kingdom shore to Thy shore
Jack Schrader
© Words: Public Domain
