“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish.”
Psalms 25:16-17
One of Satan’s greatest lies and schemes is making God’s people feel isolated and alone. In a day and age where friends and family can be reached 24/7 due to modern technology and social media, Christians still manage to feel alone and battle feelings of loneliness, most likely due to the superficial nature of most of our relationships. Loneliness doesn’t have to mean that you’re truly alone or have no friends or family. Loneliness just as often, if not more often, takes the form of an overwhelming feeling that no one, even those closest to you, truly understand you, your struggles, or even the matters on your heart. In those moments, Satan is lurking, ready to take advantage of that vulnerable state.
Satan gains strength and influence in people’s lives by isolating us. As Satan prowls about like a lion isolating God’s people, he makes Christians more vulnerable to sin.
Time and time again Scripture tells us that it is not good for man to be alone and that every human needs companionship. Throughout the Old and New Testament, many Biblical men and women found themselves full of anguish when they felt alone. Job certainly felt distraught and isolated from the world when he lost his family and all of his good fortune. Even his closest friends were not able to understand or comfort him. Joseph also struggled with loneliness when he was sold by his own brothers into slavery. The Scripture above shows just how anguished David was as he was alone and constantly fleeing from his enemies. Lastly, Jesus found himself alone in the Garden of Gethsemane crying out to God, and none of his closest friends understood. We can take comfort in knowing that all of these Godly people, that even Jesus himself struggled at times with feelings of loneliness. He too has experienced the darkness that comes with isolation, and he too craved understanding and companionship.
Don’t let Satan isolate you and overwhelm you with feelings of loneliness. Draw near to God and spend time in his word. The book of Psalms is full of David turning to God during his times of loneliness and can be of great encouragement. You are not the first or the last Christian to struggle with loneliness.
Also look for opportunities to engage in fellowship. Attempt to take surface level relationships deeper and build more meaningful relationships with the people around you. Last but not least, take comfort in knowing that God is always with you. Even when you feel like you are in a desert searching for an oasis, know that God will never leave or forsake you.
Prayer:
Lord,
Please don’t let me feelings of loneliness overwhelm me or let Satan isolate me to make me more inclined to sin. Surround me with your word, with fellowship, and with your presence so I can know I’m never alone.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Add Comment