Dear downhearted,
I know that this time of year can be one of the loneliest seasons. That’s true any year, but especially in this year of lockdowns, social distancing, and isolation. I think we are all feeling a bit lonely. If you already struggle with feelings of loneliness, then this year is even tougher. Did you know that the Bible speaks directly to those feelings?
Psalm 139 speaks to this in such a beautiful way. God is intimately aware of his people. He is near them, thinking of them, and watching over them. Look what the Psalmist says:
“Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.”
There is nowhere you can go that God is not near. He does not social distance. He is not afraid of catching anything from you. He loves you and loves being with you. I love the way the NLT translation translates verses 17 and 18.
“How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!”
Christian, because of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection in your place, this is true about you. God thinks so many thoughts about you that you could not even count them. In fact, for those who trust in Jesus, God sees you like his perfect son.
When you feel lonely this season, I encourage you to read Psalm 139. Read it over and over. Let the truth and message of God’s great love for you sink deep into your soul. I love you and am praying for you.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Andy