Sabbath Psalms - Only the Lonely

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 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 we experience loneliness or isolation, allow us the comfort of Your presence. Keep us from feeling forsaken and bring us closer to You. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is a retired Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Lent Devotion: The Great Escape - Psalm 55:7

Psalm 55:7    I would flee far away and stay in the desert. (NIV)

            Like most people, there are some days when I would like to run away from all of my responsibilities, travel somewhere remote, and just be all by myself. I sometimes daydream about getting in my car, driving as far west as I possibly can until I reach the ocean, and then just sit on the beach to watch the sun going down over the Pacific horizon. I’m certain that everyone has days just like this, where the impulse to ‘get away from it all’ occurs. I also believe that the writer of Psalm 55 experienced something similar.

            We all go through stressful times and bad moments in our lives. It’s part of our human experience. Most of the time, the majority of us resist those impulses to run away, simply because our common sense, as well as our devotion to others, over-rides our desire to escape.

            As we travel through the forty days of Lent, I’m reminded that the origins of this season are rooted in Christ’s wilderness experience, when He was whisked away by the Holy Spirit to a solitary place, free from any distractions, and unburdened by any responsibilities. He was not there, though, to get away from it all. Jesus was in the wilderness to be severely tested and tried. Thankfully, He overcame His time of trial and then began His ministry of redemption, reconciliation, and restoration for humankind.

            Running away from our responsibilities does not change anything. However, turning to Jesus with our burdens can change everything. He understands our isolation and vulnerability. He knows what it’s like to be stressed out and under pressure. This is why Jesus gently speaks to us across the centuries with His own comforting words: “Come to Me, all of you who are heavy burdened. In Me, you will find rest for your weary souls.” (Matthew 11:28).

Question:      What is currently stressing me out? How can Jesus help me?

Prayer:          Lord Jesus, You know us completely and understand everything that is going on in our lives. You know the isolation we feel, the fears we have, and the burdens that we carry. Help us to turn to You, to receive Your loving embrace and perfect assurance. Be with us all 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 ask questions, give feedback, or make comments about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is on of John’s latest Celtic drawings called “Celtic Heart.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Heart.