Thought- “I found it strange to be so widely known and popular on a worldwide basis, and yet to feel so lonely on the inside.” – Benjamin Franklin
Scripture- “ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5 (b)
Insight: In day 34 of learning to apply biblical principles to our daily life, what we are referring to as Practical Christianity, let’s consider what it means to never feel alone due to our relationship with Jesus Christ. I admit, before I was a Christian, I could never understand what Christians were talking about when they would say they never feel alone, even when they were lonely, because of their relationship with Jesus Christ. It made no sense. How could someone you can’t see, or pick a phone and talk to make you feel more secure in this world? But then I became a Christian and God works is such miraculous ways that I now can say I not only fullly understand this and can swear it is true, but it is also the foundation of all contentment in my life. The scriptures promise this truth to all who will claim it! Jesus can replace our loneliness with a deep contentment that transcends our physical, earthly relationships. When God raised Christ from the tomb, and gave us, his followers, the gift of the Holy Spirit that was our conduit to an “always on” relationship with Jesus. He is always there, we just need to seek him. Really, the key is it just takes us time, and for some of us a lot of time, to figure out that we need to eliminate all distractions, things that don’t satisfy, so that we can reach out ot the One who always satisfies, and who promises to “always be with us, even to the end of the age.”
When I first read the quote above from Ben Franklin it really resonated with me. That is because I had been in a similar place earlier in my life. While obviously not nearly as popular as Ben Franklin, for my small little sphere of life, I was a popular guy. I had lots and lots of friends, but I was so empty inside and had no real contentment. I felt lonely, even amongst a large group of people. I was living for the approval of those friends, but it was not fulfilling any of the longings I felt deep in my soul to have peace and contentment. I wasn’t a Christian at the time, so I had no idea that Jesus could offer me the longings of my heart. Now, fast forward some 25 years and my life has come full circle. I have a deep contentment and peace that comes from knowing Christ in a very personal and intimate way. So much so that even when I may be alone, I never feel lonely. Although I don’t have as many “friends” as I once did, mainly due to my position in life now as a Father and Husband which has left me with less time for other activities, I have never felt so content. The deep loneliness I had felt for the first 35 years of my life, even when I was so popular, has been replaced by a feeling of never being alone, even when am by myself. God truly works in mysterious ways! In this way, I have been able to partake in a taste of what Paul was referring to when he stated in Philippians 4:11-13 “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Have you asked Christ to help you with your loneliness deep in your soul? Only He can truly take it away.
Prayer: Father God, what can we say? You are truly an amazing God and way above our ability to understand how you operate. I thank you that somehow through the presence of your Son in our lives you can take away our loneliness and replace it with a deep contentment that is not based on how many friends we have, but rather on having you as our friend. You hold us tight and keep us from never feeling lonely, even though we may be alone. Help us to give others this same hope when they may be feeling very lonely. It can only be remedied through knowing you Lord. Amen!
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