Are you lonely today, friend?
Today we are going to reflect on my favorite promise in the totality of Scripture. I think about it, ponder it, and quote it almost every single day! As I share it with you, let me set the stage:
There is an epidemic problem of loneliness in our world right now. I was reading an article not too long ago that said that the Government of England actually appointed a person as a Minister of Loneliness. This government official’s portfolio was to try and create places of connection for the English people because they had an epidemic of loneliness in their country. One of the strategies was to actually allow British letter carriers to spend a little bit of time conversing, standing on the doorsteps of people when they were delivering their mail. The British government was wise enough to know that all people need connection!
All people need someone to connect with, to be seen and understood. There is a deep human desire to simply be known.
My friend, are you lonely today? I know many people who are surrounded by crowds all day long, and yet this just magnifies their feeling of loneliness. I believe there are times in our lives when we all feel alone. If the word “lonely” describes you at all today, I have incredibly good news for you: Jesus is near!
I want you to just soak in that thought for just a moment, right now. The God of the Universe, the God who made you, the God who sees you, and the God who knows you is near.
friend, would you allow these words from Scripture to comfort and encourage you today:
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,’
even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be!
How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.” (Psalm 139:7-18 NIV)
What an amazing thought that we are never alone! God is with us. God is for us. God is in us. God is accomplishing His will through us. God is not done with us. God is near, dear, and here!
As you go about your day today, live fully in the presence of God. Acknowledge His presence in every moment. It’s as simple as praying:
Jesus, I thank you for your personal presence. You are here, just as you promised. Make me mindful of your presence all day long. I am never alone. You are with me and I am grateful. Amen.
What a miracle! And never forget my friend...
You are a miracle!
