We sometimes feel lonely, which is not a pleasant experience. David said in Psalms 102: 7, I lie awake; I am like a lonely bird on the housetop. Loneliness arises from changing situations. Lamentations 1: 1 says how lonely sits the city that once was full of people! How like a widow she has become, she that was great among the nations! Although loneliness may appear a normal part of life, God did not create is so.
In his apparent solitude, David prayed to God in Psalms 25: 16, turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. To David, his cure for loneliness lies in God’s graciousness. Loneliness is not a physical disease. God’s word provides a cure for it which includes (a) our own confessions and testimonies together with that of others; and (b) God’s promises in his word of life.
Biblical testimonies
God is always our companion though we may not see him. When Elisha’s boy got frightened about the posture of Israel’s enemies and lost hope, Elisha prayed for his eyes to be opened spiritually. 2Kings 6: 17 says and he saw; the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. We feel lonely because we lack the spiritual eye to see our companions in the spirit.
Testimonies about unfailing faith
Meshach, Meshach, and Abednego were bound and cast into Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace for knowing their God. The king asked the next day in Daniel 3: 24-25, “Was it not three men that we threw bound into the fire?” … “But I see four men unbound, walking in the middle of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the fourth has the appearance of a god.” Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den for a similar reason.
When the king asked if he was alive, he replied in Daniel 6: 22 my God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no wrong.”
Testimonies about God’s omnipresence
A week after Jesus’ death, although the disciples had gathered in a closed room, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” He challenged Thomas,” Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Jesus was in the spirit privy to Thomas’ doubts about his resurrection.
While two people were on the way to Emmaus after his death, Luke 24: 15-16 says while they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. He is always with his people. We are not alone. His name Emmanuel means in Matthew 1: 23, “God is with us.” He will forever be our companion.
Testimonies that God hears our prayers
The angel of God never departed from Moses even after he had fled from Pharaoh. Exodus 3: 2 says there the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the bush. Of Gideon, Judges 6: 12 says the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, “The LORD is with you, you mighty warrior.”
To Samson’s barren mother, an angel of the Lord appeared to her and said in Judges 13: 3, “Although you are barren, having borne no children, you shall conceive and bear a son. God always knows our needs because he is always with us. Psalms 46: 7, 11 say the LORD of host is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Testimonies that God glorifies his name
The angel heard the prayers and showed himself to Zechariah saying in Luke 1: 13, Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. When Jesus was in anguish on the cross, he was not alone. Luke 22: 43 says then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength.
When Peter was bound in prison with two chains, slept between two soldiers while guards kept watch over the prison, he was not alone because the people prayed for him. Act 12: 7 says suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists. No circumstance can make us lonely in Christ Jesus.
Testimonies that God protects his people
When Saul, later called Paul, was persecuting the Christians, they were not alone but with Christ. On the way to Damascus about noon to persecute the converts, Paul said in Acts 22: 7, a great light from heaven suddenly shone about me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’
We may not feel or see God’s presence yet he is with us wherever we are. If we feel like being lonely, we must talk to God who is always near and ready to hear us. Whatever be the cause of our loneliness whether real or apparent, Jesus knows our need and makes the best companion any time.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, be our company while life lasts. In time of loneliness, let us find solace in the testimonies about our forefathers who tasted of your unfailing presence. May we be reminded that your companionship is for those who show unfailing faith and when your people pray. We acknowledge you as the omnipresent God and will glorify your name in our solitude. May we forever feel your presence, for thou art near us. We pray in your holy name, Amen!!
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