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How to combat feelings of loneliness
Written by GodLife on 23/07/2019
Series: Weekly Devotional
Tags: Loneliness, Truth, Test
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12
As a child of God, you are on the road of life following Jesus. You are to walk out each section of the path chosen for you by the Lord. Sometimes your way can be so lonely, but I have noticed that I feel this way when I would not have chosen such experiences for myself.
Did you know that God tests our faith? Take a look at the life of Joseph:
“He sent a man before them even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.” (Psalm 105:17-19)
Can loneliness be a test?
When we feel lonely, we feel we are “missing out.” We look at others around us and think, when is it my turn? I have prayed and prayed and nothing has happened. I feel God has turned his back on me. I am so alone. Where is God?
Joseph the son of Jacob had a long test in Egypt. His whole life and circumstances were changed completely by the treachery of his brothers and the hardships of his life as he was taken into isolation and the dungeon. But Joseph won through test after test. He came to understand the work of God in His life and was able to tell his brothers who had sold him into slavery, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…..” (Genesis 50:20)
“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;” Psalm 130:5
Tests and trials are temptations to lose our faith. One trial that is most often used by our enemy against us is the one that makes us question the will of God for us. We will be deluged with feelings, thoughts, and desires that try to push us out of our faith and obedience to the word and commands of Jesus. We have an enemy that wars with God through us. We do not have to affirm those thoughts, feelings or desires. We can battle back by saying in our heart, “I will not receive it,” and asking Jesus to remove that feeling or desire.
We can also thank the Lord for His purposes in our trial of loneliness because we love Him and He loves us. He tells us in scripture to give thanks in all things, for this is his will for us. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). We must conquer with the truth of scripture. Seek the Lord with your whole heart, making Him your greatest need, and you will find Him. He is the Comforter.
“And we know for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
The truth is, a child of God is never alone. God loves his children, and He is always with us. He will never leave nor forsake us. We must trust His love and timing and wait upon the Lord and never give up. He has the plan. We must learn to live believing this: “Not my will, but your will be done.”
Our Heavenly Father is in control. He chooses our entire road. He is with us, leading us even when He seems unresponsive to our prayers. We’re never really alone because Jesus is still on the road with us. Our faith is tested to see if we will keep on moving forward believing, following. At the end of the road, He’ll be there waiting for us! It’s not heaven that is the greatest prize --- it’s Him. He is our reward and He is so wonderful!
Hebrews 13:5 "…for He has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"
Father, I will follow you waiting upon you and your will for me. I trust you! Thank you for your purposes and for always hearing and loving me. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Amen.
For the child of God, is feeling lonely a spiritual battle?
