Lonely: May 6, 2009

TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY MAY 6, 2009.

LONELY

Defined by Webster:
A depressing feeling about being alone; destitute of sympathetic or friendly companionship; without company; isolated.

GODS WORD

“No one stood with me, but all forsook me. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me.” II Timothy 4: 16-17.

For there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; no one cares for my soul.” Psalm 142:4.

WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE

How many times in life have you felt lonely? Many people across our world today are lonely because they have no hope for tomorrow. Every thing they do is for today and because of this they are always lonely. Life has many opportunities in the natural for loneliness. Separation from a spouse, a family or a friend brings on loneliness. Over the years we have learned that the loneliest people are those that do not have a relationship with God. This is easy to understand because having faith in the Lord gives you the assurance that God is with you and gives you hope for today tomorrow and the future.

When you do not have a relationship with God, where is your hope? Is it found by watching TV, listening to the radio, going to a movie, visiting with a friend or something else in your life? These “things” are superficial. They have no substance or lasting value, and cannot provide real satisfaction or sense of fulfillment. This is when loneliness sets in. it has been said that only what is done for Christ will last.

We have had the opportunity to travel to almost every corner of the world. And in these travels we have noticed the dramatic difference between people that have much and people that have so very little. But even more so we have noticed the difference between people that have a relationship with God [their lives radiate joy] and those who do not [they are mostly lonely, hurting and concerned about their tomorrows]. The contrast is overwhelming. Whether they have many “things” or have nothing really does not make the difference. Without God there is no smile, no hope and nothing but sadness. With God there is a big smile, singing, giving glory to God and excitement just for the opportunity of living. What a contrast to see but a contrast that reminds us that one will always ultimately be lonely without a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ.

We have seen lonely people. We have seen the little boy that has been orphaned because both parents have died. We have seen the lonely mother sobbing because her child has just died because there was no medicine. We just this year have seen the young boy who never knew his father and his mother just died of an illness because she could not get to a hospital on time. These people are lonely --- but when they have a relationship with God their loneliness changes to hope and happiness.

Think about the loneliness of Jesus as He was alone in the Garden of Gethsemane just hours before His death on the cross. Just think of His loneliness when He cried out to God on the cross: “My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me?” He was lonely but He knew that He was going to die on that cross to pay the penalty of sin for you and me just to give us the Blessed Hope and happiness.

In His hours of total aloneness in the Garden of Gethsemane, who did Jesus turn to? His disciples had let Him down by going to sleep. They were not there for Him in His time of need. If you are feeling all alone and feel no one is there for you, then talk to God. He is waiting and He will not let you down.

TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER

Thank you Lord for the sacrifice you made for me by dying on the cross to pay for my sins. And thank you Lord for rising again out of the grave so I can serve a risen savior. Help me this day to be an encouragement to someone who is lonely. Help me to learn to pray for a world that needs to know Jesus. Bless my family today and thank you for providing for us far beyond what we deserve.