Greg Chandler
10/06/13
Loneliness is a problem that impacts all cultures and age groups. It often leads to feelings of despondency and hopelessness if left to grow in one’s mind. It can also irreparably impact one’s relationship with God if feelings of depression are allowed to take hold and rob the peace of mind found in the Lord. Because of this, God illustrates how to deal with loneliness, primarily through examples of people in lonely situations. Consider three of these examples.
King David
The Lord had promised the kingship to David and even had Samuel anoint him as the king of Israel. Saul, however, was still the reigning monarch and sought to kill David in order to keep God’s plan from coming to fruition. This led David on a perilous journey in which he sometimes believed “there is but a step between me and death” (I Samuel 20:3). David did not understand God’s plan fully and spent lonely days and nights away from his family and friends. Still, he did not lose his faith in God. In illustrating how he trusted God, David wrote “my times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!” (Psalm 31:15). While David did not know what the future held, God did. David acknowledged this and took comfort in the power of an omniscient God.
David’s example can help those suffering from feelings of loneliness brought on by fear of future events. While no one knows the future, some are troubled with possibilities that might occur. It is easy in these situations to believe no one else can understand what is faced and, therefore, turn inward. While it is unlikely no one else understands, it is for certain that God does. As David looked to his Lord, he placed his confidence squarely in His hands. Because of this, he could trust even when the way did not seem clear. Such can also be the case today!
The Prophet Elijah:
Elijah was a strong and fiery prophet of God. Prophesying in one of the darkest portions of Israel’s history, Elijah took a message of judgment upon the house of wicked Ahab and Jezebel. After a strong display of God’s power on Mt. Carmel, Elijah ordered the false prophets of the royal court to be executed in compliance with the law. The queen was unhappy with this action. Jezebel was so unhappy, she stated “so may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow” (I Kings 19:2). Upon hearing this, Elijah fled deep into the wilderness. He became so despondent and lonely that he uttered “it is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers” (I Kings 19:4). Elijah grew lonely because he felt like no one else sought to serve God as he did (I Kings 19:10). It may also have been that Elijah expected the Lord to deal with Jezebel in a very direct way, yet grew discouraged and depressed when it appeared that evil would triumph. As Elijah sat alone, the Lord came to him and performed three acts of mighty power. He then asked Elijah why he sat alone and allowed him to speak the things on his heart. With great patience, the Lord listened and never rebuked his prophet for the feelings he displayed. Only after hearing these things did the Lord tell Elijah to get up and get busy once again in His service.
Perhaps like Elijah, some grow lonely because they feel no one else is seeking to do the right thing. On every turn, it appears evil abounds and no one else seems to care. If this is the case, one should follow the example of Elijah and pour out these feelings before the Lord. As with Elijah, God will listen. In Him, the strength will be found to get back to work in the Lord’s service and fight the feelings of loneliness that can be brought on by wickedness.
The Savior of Mankind:
Jesus Christ knew loneliness like no other. Like David, He was a king whose anointing was rejected by many. Like Elijah, He was a prophet whose message was often spurned by the wicked of earth. Unlike either of these, however, was the fact that He was God living in the midst of a sinful people. Even those closest to Him could not fully understand His role on earth and where that role would take Him. His loneliness seems paramount near the end of His earthly ministry as He goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. While the three Apostles closest to Him slept, He knew the fullest concept of loneliness. Yet, He knew there was One who heard Him as He prayed “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, Your will be done” (Matthew 26:42).
None on earth will ever experience the loneliness that was known by Jesus. Yet, His example of turning to the Father sets the perfect example for times when loneliness presses hard. God is always present to hear the prayers of a righteous man. The Savior stands ready to make intercession on behalf of His brethren. While man may not be able to provide the comfort to fight loneliness, the all-knowing God can. Prayer over depression is always the answer!
Conclusion:
Loneliness will invade every life. These three individuals show that there is a way of dealing with it. Trusting God with the future, pouring out the thoughts of the heart to Him, and turning to Him in prayer in lonely times are proven ways to allow God’s presence to help through difficulties. Are you lonely? Learn from these examples and trust that the Lord can provide the help needed.