Are You Lonely?

“No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends…” John 15:15 NKJV

Are you lonely? We live in a lonely society, often made lonelier by the passing of a loved one or a beloved pet, and most recently, heightened by the waves of the 2020 pandemic and its ensuing restrictions.

Sometimes an illness can separate you from others, especially if it’s chronic. Your friends and family may have been there at the start to support you, but a long-term illness drains everyone. At some point, people have to tend to their own life or family needs.

No matter how you’ve ended up in this lonely state, you have two choices. The first is to fill your life with mindless TV and food binges, or the slippery slide of drugs and alcohol – anything to numb your pain. The second (and better choice) is to seize the moment and seek the Lord.

God longs for a relationship with you. Remember the Garden of Eden story when God came looking for Adam? “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day… Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’” (Genesis 3:8–9 NKJV).

Adam was hiding because he had sinned. But can you imagine, right here and now, the Lord walking in your valley, seeking you out just to spend a little time with you? To fill the void and heal the ache of loneliness?

So often we put God out of reach in the heavens, sitting unapproachably on his throne. He is high and lifted up, but he is also the One who…

- Draws people to himself (John 6:44).

- Calls you by name (Isaiah 43:1).

- Calls you his friend (John 15:15).

In your lonely valley, draw near to God. Listen for his voice as he calls out for you. Use these quiet moments to cultivate friendship with the living God. Out of that relationship will spring life so you, in turn, can ease the loneliness of another on this journey. The world can be a lonely place, but you don’t have to settle for a lonely future.

Pray:“God, I need you. Come and fill the loneliness in my heart and help me in turn to be a friend to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Seek: Are you lonely? How can you counteract that loneliness? Determine now to cultivate your relationship with God and build lasting friendships with others.

Speak: I am never alone. God knows my name and he calls me friend.