Jesus felt lonely, too. He is like you.
You and I live in an age where we’re more connected to each other than ever before. However, connection does not always equal fulfillment of community, and it certainly does not erase the problem of loneliness. You may get constant notifications, messages, and social media updates, yet many of us still feel unseen and unknown. Some of you even stumbled upon this devotion through a social media post, proving that we are surrounded with noise from the digital world, but we really crave something deeper. We desire to be seen, loved, and valued. It’s how we are wired.
When we feel lonely, we are actually reflecting the God that made us. The good news is that Jesus doesn’t just care about our lonely feelings. He lived his life struggling with loneliness, too.
You might ask, “How could the Son of God struggle with such a weak feeling?” Well, think about this. Jesus was constantly surrounded by crowds of people, but those folks did not always understand who he was. They rejected him. They used him. They desired gifts, but not the Giver. They eventually had him killed. Even his friends let him down when he most desired their support. Some of Jesus’ final words were him quoting from of Psalm 22 as he hung bare during his execution.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.
Psalm 22:1-2 (ESV)
Jesus felt that in his soul, and he brought the weight of those emotions to the Father in that moment. We can follow that same pattern. How do we do that?
Look up.
Draw near to God. You do not have to pretend everything is okay when you are before God. Not only does he know you and see you. He understands. Cry out to him like Jesus did.
Remember God’s Promise.
Before Jesus parted from the earth, he gave his followers a promise that is worth remembering when we are feeling lonely.
…And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:20b (ESV)
Scripture is full of reminders like this one. I think it is because God knew we would need them.
Look Around.
You are not alone in your desire to be valued, seen, heard, and loved. Start to notice others who may have the same feelings of being alone in the world. Become aware, and you just might find out that God has provided a friend.
Bee-Attitude
Blessed are the lonely, for they shall find Christ to be a close friend, an example, and a promise-keeper to those who feel alone.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
