Loneliness. The state of longing for friends or family. Sometimes a brief encounter with a familiar acquaintance or a cheerful smile from even a stranger can break the coldness of its bare threads. But then, the icy chill beats again against our spirit, and we wrap barren arms around ourselves, insensibly seeking protection. Where is God? And if I found Him, could He soothe the empty ache? Loneliness consumes because we begin to believe that no one cares. Our thoughts assume that we are unacceptable, “something’s wrong with me,” I am unloved and unlovable, life has failed me, and people have failed me. I would not deny that life can be very difficult, and I also realize that some suffer greatly because of the failures of others. (Honesty can also help us see that we are capable of contributing to our own loneliness.) There is, however, even amidst the harsh realities of life, Someone who not only wants to love us, but who also promises a love that is more than adequate to meet the very need He created us with.
In the coldness of our own loneliness, we may forget God, ignore Him, feel that He doesn’t understand, or believe He just “isn’t enough” to soothe the raw hurt that loneliness can leave. Turning to God must be precipitated by an acknowledgment of the void within us and a realization of the futility of filling that void apart from God. Even in the best of circumstances, people love imperfectly. Turning to God allows Him to love me profusely in such a way that even if life has severed every human relationship, God’s love is sufficient enough to fill the ache my soul cries out with. In Psalm 63:1-8, David shares his satisfaction with God during a time when he was fleeing from Saul. In the parched dryness of his thirst, he rehearsed the truth of God’s presence and provision, clinging securely to His upholding hand and unfailing love. Words of praise express his satisfaction.
Loneliness. The place that God wants to fill. In abundance. With all the perfections of His love. Loneliness. When we feel its chill – for the moment – or knowing it has been ours for months or years – may we feel also the warmth of God’s inviting presence, and turn to Him. Loneliness. God is enough.
(Related Bible reading: Psalm 63:1-8)
