February 8, 2016
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Psalm 25:16
I have been asked by several members of the Abundant Life congregation how I decide on what to write. My response has been thru prayer, a thought I may have had in doing my own personal devotions or something where I have felt the Lord’s direction. Today’s is a little different. The verse was one read in today’s devotional period which Janet and I have daily.
I feel confident you can imagine the scenes in my life when I was lonely following the death of my mother. The same would probably be the same for anyone who lost a parent or loved one. I had quite a few difficult days. However, I was thankful to have the best companion during this time. I knew that even though I was struggling, God was with me every minute of every day. There are several times singing a hymn or perhaps taking time to read Scripture I knew His presence was there. I also was helped by a Miniature Schnauzer who knew what I was going through and yes, she felt the same way! Some days, I couldn’t bear to be in the house. In those instances, I followed the Lord’s example as mentioned in Luke: “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (5:16) I would drive somewhere whether it was a quiet park or possibly my church’s chapel.
Loneliness is a difficult situation. I wonder how people make it through a day, a week or any period of time without the Lord beside them. Believe it or not, I was by myself many a time even though my brothers were available, friends from church or somewhere else could have been reached by phone. I thought one solution was to try the Internet and find someone on a dating website. It wasn’t until one night, the Lord suggested I try a girlfriend from college and as most of you know, the rest is history.
The point I am trying to make is simply if you are going through a difficult period and you are alone, turn to the One who loves and cares for you. Read His Book for there are many verses which can be of assistance. The most significant for me was Psalm 23:4. One other little tidbit is it also helps to have a Christian spouse because their support is just as valuable. Ask me, I know as I am very thankful.
Prayer: Whenever I am lonely, help me to remember “we set our hearts at rest in His presence” and be grateful. Amen.
Jeff Spang