Alone

Have you ever had days or weeks that can even stretch into longer periods of time when you've just felt alone?  Flat out lonely.  And not the kind of alone that creeps in out of boredom.  Or that kind of lonely that happens on a long weekend without social interaction. 

I'm talking about really feeling alone.  Isolated.  Forgotten.  Not knowing your role or how you fit in.  Rejected.  Cut off.  Abandoned.  Disconnected.  Something is missing. 

There's a void that we try to fill with things and activities.  Maybe if I throw myself into work.  Maybe if I jump into another relationship just to be with someone or to have something to do.  Maybe if I get involved and volunteer for every single thing that comes my way.  Maybe if I get that newer and bigger toy.  Maybe if I surround myself with people and become the life of the party.  Maybe just maybe that will drown out the ache?  Maybe it will fill that lonely and disconnected place?

The problem is that it never does.  You can be in a room full of people and still feel alone.  You can be surrounded by your children who are all clamoring for your attention and still feel isolated.  You can be in charge of a meeting with all your co-workers and still wonder if you fit in.  You can have thousands of "friends" on facebook and still feel forgotten.

I'm so thankful when I have days like this that I have a loving Father to run to, and I can know without a doubt that I am NEVER alone.  It's certainly not easy to remember sometimes.  Life can be so loud that I can't hear Him, and all this earthly "stuff" can block my view of Him.  But that doesn't mean He's not there. 

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.  The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

Get alone with Him.  Spend time with Him.  He longs to be with you.  Talk with Him.  Get to know Him.  Pour out your heart to Him.  Quiet the noise of your life and just sit and soak in His word.  Let His love flood your heart.  Find your fulfillment in Him. 

He is the only One who can satisfy.  He's the only One who will never abandon you.  He will never leave you.  You will never be alone.

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.  My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.