Fellowship in Loneliness

Thanks to David Jeremiah for his devotionals in my emails every morning.

Fellowship in Loneliness

The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand.

Psalm 121:5

Recommended Reading 2 Timothy 4:9-18

Different types of loneliness invade our lives. Standing at the gravestone of a loved one, we feel the pang of separation. No message on our cell phone--we long to hear the voice of a loved one. But there's also a type of loneliness that invades our schedules as we minister to others.

When you ache with loneliness, remember that you're in good company. The Bible gives abundant examples of lonely saints. Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, spouse, parent, or child, we all experience loneliness somewhere along life's journey.

Even the apostle Paul, an incredibly gifted and blessed man, was not immune to loneliness. He was taken to heaven and shown things too wonderful to share with earthly beings. He authored much of the New Testament and founded all the missionary churches during New Testament times. But on occasion, he ached with loneliness: "Only Luke is with me..." (2 Timothy 4:11a).
Today you may encounter a lonely person hiding behind a smile. If you were that person, how would you hope to be greeted? Friendship is a sure antidote to a lonely soul. Be cheerful medicine to someone today.

The next time you find yourself alone ...

stand still, whisper God's name, and listen.

He is nearer than you think. ~Max Lucado