Loneliness
Scripture:
Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Psalm 68:5-6
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
God sets the lonely in families,
he leads out the prisoners with singing;
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
Reflection:
Today I choose to fast from the wound of loneliness.
Do you know that song “One Is the Loneliest Number”? It’s no secret that we were not made to live alone. God created human beings to live in community, in relationship with one another. We all experience loneliness from time to time. But, when that loneliness starts to feel like a dark, empty hole that we will never get out of, it can easily begin taking over our lives. When this happens it can be easy to forget that fundamental truth - we are made for community.
This week we have faced some challenging sins and wounds that might keep us from leaning into the community that God has given us. But when we choose to turn from pride, self-reliance, and feelings of abandonment we can turn back towards the truth of Psalm 68, that God sets the lonely in families.
Questions for Personal Reflection:
What times in my life do I normally feel most lonely?
How might I remind myself to lean into community in those times?
Prayer:
Talk with God about the times when you feel lonely. Share your sadness, disappointment and feelings of isolation. Ask God to show you who you can reach out to in those times for support. Pray for those that you know who are experiencing loneliness and ask God to show you how you can support them.
These devotions have been adapted from “Lenten Healing: 40 Days to Set You Free from Sin” by Ken Kniepmann.
