My first post-secondary degree came from a school in France that also
specialized in teaching French as a second language to foreign students,
many of whom were American. These students often felt left out and
alone. They didn't know the language, they didn't know the culture, and
they couldn't communicate. I felt bad for these students and tried to
befriend them. The result? Well they didn't learn much French, but I
learned English!
Loneliness abounds in this world, even
when you know the language and culture! What is interesting about the
world is that most people in this world don't care. So often the world
rejects us, it is an 'everyone-for-himself' type of culture. Many of you
have experienced this first-hand. You think you have friends, but these
friends are busy with their own affairs, and their actions speak forth a
loud message: "I have no time for you, maybe later!"
What weapon does the world give us to fight this chronic problem of
loneliness?
None at all. There is, however, One
who truly cares. He cares so much for you that He died on a cross so
that you could be saved. He never leaves you alone, He is your guide,
your constant companion, and He invites us to, "Casting all your
anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7 ESV)
In addition to always being there, He is
our constant guide: "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your
ears will hear a voice behind you, saying 'This is the way; walk in
it.'” (Isiah 30:21 NIV)
And
Jesus gives us weaponry -- not to kill, but to fight things like
loneliness: "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself
up against the knowledge God, and we take captive every thought to make
it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV)
I often hear from Jesus, and I know I am never
alone. He is my best friend. He even healed me of Alzheimer's, a disease
that cannot be healed. That's my friend, Jesus!
What about you? Will you choose the world and
its loneliness? Or will you allow Jesus to be your friend? Will you let
Him to arm you with the weapons to demolish every pretense, including
loneliness?
Rob Chaffart