It is now past three years since my husband went home to be with the Lord. During that time, I’ve walked this path of loneliness and aloneness, as many of our readers have. Just when I think I’m okay and everything is fine, I find one of my friends walking the same pathway, and my heart goes out to them because I understand from experience what they are going through, and I grieve all over again.
Genesis 2:18 – And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” (NKJV)
During the grieving, I discovered the difference between loneliness and aloneness. Loneliness is often tear-filled and touches deep into my soul after losing my lifetime companion. Often I felt sorry for myself, being all alone. Although my family has been very supportive, we cannot always expect our children to be there all the time, as they have their own lives to live. The loneliness will pass in time as we move on.
“Aloneness”: let’s take a look at that. I found that I needed the time apart just to think things through and to put my life into perspective. Jesus needed “alone time” too. Sometimes, He would get in a boat and go to the other side to get away from the crowds.
Mark 1:35 – Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. (NKJV)
How reassuring it is to know that even Jesus needed time apart, just as we do. Yet in keeping with the thought that it is not good for man to be alone, Christ has promised never to leave us nor forsake us — never to leave us alone. What a glorious promise!
Hebrews 13:5b – For He himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (NKJV)
Prayer: Dear Father God, thank You for Your promise never to forsake us, a promise that we know we can count on, as You are ever-faithful. Even in the dark days of grief and loneliness, remind us to take our alone time, just as You did, and after that alone time, to get back into the swing of things. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
June Heale jinny4@mac.com
Comox, British Columbia, Canada
Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca