In review of 2 Timothy 4:16-17 Paul says to Timothy, “The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death” (NLT).
At times I may not feel very brave, but like Paul encouraging Timothy, the Lord will give me courage. God always wants to give me the strength to do what he has commanded. This strength may not be evident until I step out in faith and actually begin doing the task.
When I’m lonely, where is God? He’s where he has always been: right beside me. He is with me even if I don’t feel it. The Bible says over and over that if I have a relationship with Christ, God is with me all the time. He says, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 NIV). He’s always with me. I’m never really fully alone.
God is with me, it’s a promise that I can cling to in my times of fear and loneliness. It’s not only a comfort, but it gives me an opportunity to get to know God better.
Times of loneliness is an opportunity to become better acquainted with God. In my season of loneliness, I need to recognize God’s presence.
What I’m learning is that prayer is a powerful antidote to loneliness. God has a 24-hour drop-in service. I can talk to him anytime, anywhere, anyplace, and he understands how I’m feeling when I say, “God, I’m lonely. I hurt! My heart is splitting. I am miserable. I feel empty. Help me, God.” I can talk to him anytime.
David admits in the psalms, “Where can I flee from your presence?” Nowhere. I will never be in a place where God isn’t. If I’ve trusted Christ, he’s with me in my heart. So choose to refocus on that when I feel lonely.
In summary, when it appears that everyone has abandoned me, the Lord will be there with me and will give me strength. I may not feel very brave, but the Lord will give me courage, for God wants to give me the strength to do what he has commanded. This strength may not be evident until I step out in faith and actually begin to do the task. I should never question with God is, he's always there even with I don't feel it. He's always there, and I am never alone. When I'm lonely, it's an opportunity to get to know God better. Prayer is a powerful antidote to loneliness. I can talk to him about anything, anywhere, anyplace, and he completely understands how I'm feeling.
I thank you Father for your presence in my life all the time. When I feel lonely I only need to remember that your always there. It’s an opportunity for me to pray and get to know you better.
This morning Father I pray for focus and calmness as I approach my day. I ask for your wisdom and guidance in what I do, my leadership, and my interactions with others. I thank you for your grace and forgiveness. These things I pray in your Son Jesus Name, Amen.
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