Surrendering Our Loneliness – Carla Arges
Loneliness causes feelings of emptiness and being unwanted, but it’s not necessarily about being alone; rather about feeling isolated. Even when surrounded by others we can feel a deep and pervasive sense of loneliness.
You are not alone in feeling lonely. David often encountered periods of loneliness, as he cried out in Psalms 25:16-17 “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish.”
The problem with our loneliness, when we don’t surrender it to God, is that the enemy will use it to isolate us. He wants us to feel like the victim and stop us from reaching out to make connections. Connection is God’s plan, so Satan will do what he can to interrupt that plan.
Take heart. God is a God of relationship and community as evidenced in the very nature of the Trinity. God knows what we need. And He is faithful. Paul reminds us of this truth in Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Don’t let your feelings of loneliness isolate you. In courage and God’s strength – reach out. Focus on developing quality relationships with people that share similar interests and values expecting the best and surrendering your fear of rejection.
The Promise
“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11
The Affirmation
I make meaningful connections according to God’s design for my life.
The Prayer