Psalm
148:18 The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who
call on Him in truth. (NIV)
Like
everyone else, I experience from loneliness from time to time. It’s an odd
feeling, especially when it occurs in a crowded room or when I’m with a small
company of friends. I get lost in my own thoughts and feel isolated from
everything or everyone around me. I know I can be a distant introvert at times,
but loneliness goes beyond that. I feel as though I’m missing something or
someone in my life and that there is some sort of primeval emptiness or
existential gap.
Some
theologians would say that I’m actually missing God and that the loneliness in
my life exists because I’m really longing to be reconnected to my Creator. The
chasm that exists between us makes me feel isolated and vulnerable, unprotected
and all alone. I can’t do anything to mend the breach or bridge the gap, so I’m
stuck on this side of eternity, missing my Maker and feeling forsaken.
And
then something amazing happens. As I call out to God in prayer, His presence
fills my heart. As I reach out to God like a child holding out hands to a
parent, I am suddenly lifted up spiritually and embraced by God. The loneliness
lifts and my isolation ends. I am restored to God’s favor and reconnected to
His love. What the psalmist wrote all of those centuries ago turns out to be
true: God comes near to all who call on Him.
Perhaps
you’re feeling lonely, too. Maybe you’ve lost your confidence or purpose and
end up feeling isolated, misunderstood, or even unloved. Whatever the case,
please call on the Lord, even as you are reading this short message. If you do,
then I firmly believe that God will draw near to you and allow His presence to
touch your mind, heart, and soul with His love.
Point to ponder
When I feel lonely, do I talk to God? When I talk to
God, does my loneliness lift?
Prayer: Lord God, when I experience loneliness or
isolation, allow me the comfort of Your presence. Keep me from feeling forsaken
and bring me closer to You. In Christ’s Name, I pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor
of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville,
Tennessee. Come along any Sunday and join us for worship at 11:00 AM. You’ll be
made very welcome 😊
Today’s image is one of
John’s latest lectionary drawings for Psalm 54. If you would like to view a
larger version, please click this link: Psalm54.
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