Loneliness

We have been thinking lately about the lies that Mercy grads are led into by the devil. We made a list of several lies that we could write about for days but when finally presented to us, this one stuck out as the biggest. Many of us come from having a support system of 30 to 40 even more people from Mercy. They are around all day long, whether you feel you want them there or not. So when you graduate the biggest shock is loneliness. We feel that it's the very first thing the devil tries to attack with. All the sudden you have nobody. The house is quiet and your mind is free to roam without interruption....that quickly becomes a battlefield.

Kristen is going to start us off with an awesome piece on battling that loneliness, no matter how long ago you graduated!

Loneliness

          What is loneliness? Webster’s Dictionary defines it as being isolated or sad because of being alone. Let’s face it, loneliness hurts. Feeling lonely can cut us and cause us to feel pain in the very depth of our hearts. When we start to believe the lie that no one cares, no one understands, and that we are all alone, the lie begins to affect how we react to others around us. It can affect our view of the world. In times of feeling lonely, we may try to fill the void with harmful thoughts and destructive habits.

         

But …Our Father says that He will NEVER leave us.

Deuteronomy 31:6-8

          “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave nor forsake you.”

Joshua 1:9

        “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Romans 8:38

        “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

       

It can be easy to think that because we do not see Him, that He is not with us at all times. Stop and think of how God reveals Himself to us daily. We can know that God is present when we feel peace from within.

1 Corinthians 14:33

        “For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace.”

            We can feel His presence by the comfort that He brings.

Isaiah 66:13(a)

            “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you;…”

          We can see God through the little surprises He sends our way during the day.

Ezekiel 34:26

            “I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down the showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.”

         

David is one who understood the pain and hurt of loneliness.

Psalm 25:16

        ”Turn to me and have mercy on me because I am lonely and hurting.”

           

In the end, God blessed David beyond his wildest dreams!

Psalm 34:18

        “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit!”

       

When you are feeling down and lonely, use that time to draw closer to God. As you draw close to Him, He cannot help but to draw closer to you! His love for you runs deeper than you could possibly imagine!

Prayer
Dear Father, You understand loneliness. You know the depth of the pain that loneliness causes. Lord, hold my heart and don’t let go. Help me to seek You more and more each day. Fill the void in my heart with your joy and peace. Send the right people into my life that You have ordained to walk beside me on this journey. Your Word says that You are with me at all times. Open my eyes to see You so that I know without a doubt that I am not alone. Thank You God for Your presence every moment of the day! Thank You God for friendships and fellowship with others! In Jesus name, Amen!