I wasn’t expecting to hear she was feeling alone.
I mean, from the outside, she appeared to have life by the tail. A smile always on her face. An active lifestyle. A fun social life. Surrounded by friends and family.
However, her words contradicted my outside-looking-in view. My heart ached for her as she shared just how lonely she was. Little did she know she was opening up to another who had much experience in feeling alone.
We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Feeling alone, lonely, or by ourselves… when we don’t want to be? Maybe you understand too. Maybe you’re there right now.
Your nest is becoming emptier.
Your spouse is physically present, but absent in the ways you long for.
You can’t remember the last time you spent time with friends.
Maybe you live alone, you spend your time alone, and you’d appreciate some company.
Or, it’s quite possible people are all around you, yet loneliness lingers within you.
There are all sorts of reasons we may feel alone.
And even those who appear to have none, might just be feeling alone too.
Friend, may I remind you of an important, encouraging truth?
Despite how it may look or how you may feel, you are not alone. Not ever.
Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age. Matthew 28:20b CEB
Jesus is with you and me, always.
And, one more…
Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you. Deuteronomy 31:6 TLB
Those are some powerfully encouraging, truth-filled words, aren’t they? They are ones to write on our bathroom mirrors, or paste in our cars, or keep at our desks at work.
As I listened to this dear woman in front of me that afternoon, I reminded her of these truths. Some days I need to remind myself.
The rattle of the world tells me I’m alone. But, when I intentionally draw away from the world and spend time with the One who is always with me, any trace of loneliness disappears.
Friend, I wish we could sit across the table from each other today and share our stories. Share our hearts. And encourage one another in this truth.
You and I are never alone.
And even though I may not live near you, I am with you in spirit. I pray for you, and desire daily for you to experience God’s presence in your life. I’m praying that for us all again today.
Now it’s your turn. Can you share a time when you felt alone, but God reminded you that He was with you? Or what reminds you that you’re not alone in this world? I’d love to read a snippet of your story.
I’m with you friend. God bless you today.
Much love,
Julie
I’m linking this post with some of my favorites: Lori, Anita, Kelly, and Holly.
Julie, It is no coincidence that I am your neighbor at Inspire Me Mondays. My post parked right next to yours is about navigating through the grief of an empty nest which for me is just a little over a week since my nest became empty.
It hasn’t been easy, as I share, but I am starting to feel a little better about being alone in the house and being alone with me. Truth be told, I have been so busy with the extra space and painting and helping my daughter and her family get settled that I haven’t had a second really to enjoy being alone. I will once again have time to spend afternoons with my Lord and Savior.
It’s amazing how you can have a life verse, but at a critical time forget the meaning of it! My life verse happens to be Deuteronomy 31:6. Thank you so much for this encouraging Truth at a time I needed to hear it the most.
Blessings,
Karen, wow. God has a way of uniting hearts and lives through His Words, doesn’t He? You’re right, it’s no accident we’re neighbors this week. I can understand, Karen. Our nest was almost empty, and now it’s full again. But next year I’ll be right where you are. I am praying for you. As you spend your afternoons with Jesus, I pray He fills any void you may be experiencing. I thank you for sharing here today. I’d love to stay in touch to encourage one another. Bless you, dear sister. And much love to you!
i like this post julie:) it is so easy to feel alone. to look at others and think they are fine, only we are a mess. turns out everyone is a mess…not matter what we look like on the outside. blessings:)
Yes, you said it, Martha. Everyone is a mess. Glad we get to be a mess together as we journey alongside of one another! So glad you stopped over. Have a blessed day!
I have a tendency to feel alone when I’m overwhelmed. The wise thing to do at that point would be to invite people to stand under the load with me, and i’m trying to learn that behavior, but my default is to feel abandoned and like a martyr. Thanks be to God that He sends ravens to me even when I don’t know enough to ask for them!
I totally understand your words here, Michele. At least you recognize what causes you to feel alone. That is certain progress! I’m so glad you shared it here. You’ve given me some more to ponder on. Yes, thank God He gives us what we need, when we need it. Bless you for coming by!
Love this reminder, Julie, that God is with and for us. What a blessing that you were able to come alongside another and share the truth and promise that she is kept close by God.
Hi Tiffany! Sometimes I need the reminder, myself, and I’m thankful for the ones that come alongside of me to share truth to my heart! So glad we can do that with one another. Bless you, Tiffany!
Love this, Julie ♥ Sharing it everywhere! Thanks for joining me at #MomentsofHope!
Thank you, Lori! You’re a blessing. Have a beautiful week!