Only the Lonely - Psalm 148:18

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.

Half Time devotion: With Us - Exodus 13:22

Exodus 13:22             Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

It must have been an amazing thing to see: the presence of God signified by a pillar of smoke during the day and by fire at night. For most of the Israelites, it must have been a comforting sight. For some of them, however, it must have caused some anxiety. The proximity of God would have affected all of their lives in ways that either inspired the people, or filled them with awe.

How close is God in our lives? Are we aware of His presence through Christ’s Spirit each and every day? Do we take that presence for granted, or do we wish that God was a wee bit further away? As Christians, we believe that God is always with us, but is that fundamental belief evident in what we say and do?

I wonder what would happen in each of our lives if we could see a similar pillar of cloud and fire before us every day. How would our choices be changed? How would our decisions be re-directed? Part of the problem about our faith today is this: as Christians, we say that God is with us, but people don’t see us acting or behaving as if we actually believe it.

Perhaps today, we can take time to think about God’s real presence in our lives and how we can help other people to see Him through what we say and do. It won’t be easy, but if God is with us, it won’t be difficult either.

Questions for personal reflection

When do I actually feel God’s presence in my daily life? How can I show that His sacred presence is real to other people?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You came among us to show us that God’s presence is real in the world. We have given our hearts to You, but sometimes we hold back from our lives. Help us to be more aware that Your godly presence is with us at all times, so that we may positively witness to Your reality to all whom we meet, encounter, and interact with today. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest digital glass drawings for Pentecost. It’s called “Spirit Window” and features the Holy Spirit descending to earth as a dove. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8472/8362180359_aa1d71b4fd_b.jpg