Loneliness

https://odb.org/2025/08/05/never-alone-8

Deuteronomy 31:1–8 (NIV): 31 Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: 2 “I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The LORD has said to me, ‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’ 3 The LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the LORD said. 4 And the LORD will do to them what he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, whom he destroyed along with their land. 5 The LORD will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” 7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

As I’ve written before, we can be lonely even in a crowd. This is because we do not know anyone in the crowd. Even at work, we can be lonely if we are not able to fit in and be part of a group. Our interactions cease after the workday ends. Thus, having a spouse, soul mate, partner, or close friend is pretty essential. Someone we could relate to and just talk about anything under the sun. If not, then it is likely that some of us will immerse ourselves in a favourite pastime like fishing or running or for the younger generation in social media or gaming.

When speaking with my wife, I realise that she can cover a variety of topics within a short conversation span! The truth is conversations with her are seldom short! I learned long ago that speaking with her is a way to break my loneliness as much as it is therapeutic for her. So, l also learned to be an avid listener. Sometimes, just being a good listener will help us find companionship and break our loneliness.

But if we have Jesus in our lives, we know that God will never leave nor forsake us. The exaltation is to be strong and courageous, like Moses’ exaltation to Joshua to be strong and courageous as the LORD is with him and will go before him. Notwithstanding the challenges we face in life, despite the struggles we go through, Jesus is with us and will never leave nor forsake us. Hold on tight to the faith until the very end. Be strong and courageous!

We will not be lonely with God as He will never leave nor forsake us. But at the human level, open ourselves up to have close friends so that we are not alone on this earth. Be willing to be vulnerable. Start trusting people. Be selfless, helpful, and friendly. Don’t always be counting dollars and cents in the things we do. Not everyone needs to pay their fair share all the time! Be willing to spend with close friends. 

Have a good week ahead! May the LORD bless us with wisdom and patience to deal with issues of life and at work, and may we be able to forget close friendships in due course! Amen!