Loneliness

That solitary feeling of standing on the edge of a room, the edge of a conversation that no one wants you in, and the feeling of absolute emptiness deep inside you is a terrible feeling that everyone can have at some point or another. Loneliness is an aching hole that can empty a person if they don’t know what to hold on to.

Believe me, I know exactly what this feels like. Loneliness can lead a person to do things they wouldn’t normally do in an attempt to make friends. It can even cause depression and low self-confidence. But this is the truth:

“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” That is such a powerful truth to dwell on. No matter how alone you may feel, He will never leave you nor forsake you. Don’t let your friends decide your identity for you; let Christ be the one who defines you: a child of God. One of my favorite hymns, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” carries this message so encouragingly:

What a friend we have in Jesus

All our sins and griefs to bear

And what a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer

Oh, what peace we often forfeit

Oh, what needless pain we bear

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged

Take it to the Lord in prayer

Can we find a friend so faithful

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness

Take it to the Lord in prayer

You’re not an outcast. You’re a child of God. And you’re never alone, because Jesus is your friend. Think about that. The same Jesus who created space and time wants to be your friend and confidant.

As difficult as loneliness can get, don’t give up. If you learn to be satisfied in God first and foremost then you’ll realize that no matter how many friendships you have, He values you. And He’s the best friend that anyone could ask for. The friends will come. As hard as it can be, you just have to wait for His timing. Believe me, I know. It’s always worth it.