I found this pamphlet from "Life Spring", and thought I would post it here. So many of us need to hear God speaking this message to us now.
"Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
Relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distress.
Consider my affliction
and my trouble,
and forgive all my sins."
Psalm 25:16, 18
Even David, a king and a hero, knew loneliness and despair. In this psalm he asks God to help him in his troubles - - to comfort him. Each of us, at certain times, experiences loneliness. We wish that a friend or family member would reach out to us in a personal way. We would like to talk to and be with someone who cares about us.
Even though people aren't always there when we need them most, we can be assured that God is present with us at all times. God comes to us. God knows and hears our troubles. God is our constant companion and friend.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I feel very lonely today. No one calls or stops by. I feel like David - - lonely and afflicted. It helps me to know that you are there.
Thank you for being with me at all times, for hearing my troubles, and for forgiving my sins.
Amen
I picked this pamphlet up somewhere along the way - in Billings when I was the Religious Ed Director at St. Pius. The date on it is 7-02-90! copyright 1990 Augsburg Fortress. Couldn't be more perfect for right now, could it?
6 comments:
I hate lonliness.
It used be that I would think of it as a time to draw near to God, you know, a season of peaceful reflection and growth. Now I am on the wrong side of a divide. When you feel far away from God, you are always lonely, even though you are not alone.
I hate lonliness.
I think loneliness is the hardest of all emotions to deal with. Thank God for the internet and blogs and e-mails, right? I have some books for you. Do you read much? I'll send them as soon as I have time. How about a CD player - do you have one? I also have some I am getting rid of. You might like them. I'm sorry you are so lonely. I'm praying for you!
How is everyone?
Mickey? Come and visit us some time this summer or fall or winter or spring! That would help your loneliness and mine, too.
How are you doing, Debbie? Janet? Karen? and anyone else who is feeling loneliness tonight?
If you can see them, look up at the moon and stars and know that we all see the same moon and the same stars! WE're not alone, are we.
I love you.
For some reason it is comforting to know you are not the only one who is sad from loneliness. I struggle with this from time to time, and I hate it, too! It's interesting how we can be surrounded by people and still be lonely.
One thing I have learned (or relearned, I should say) recently is that I have control over what I think about. When I start to feel sad and lonely, I can let my mind go down that path and get sadder and lonelier, OR.... I can choose to count my blessings and refuse to have a pity party for myself.
It is also helpful to remember that feelings are not facts. Just because I feel lonely, doesn't mean I have no friends, or whatever. I won't let despair overtake me. I will rely on God's promises, not my feelings.
I hope that makes sense!
I have just visited this post, and am very impressed by it, MOM and to Michelle and Debbie for your comments....THANK YOU SO MUCH for this insight...as I struggle with this and have to talk myself out of lonliness everyday...Debbie, I am just now beginning to redirect my thoughts, as I learn that I do not have to think whatever comes into my head...I have CD's on Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer if anyone would like them, I would sure send them to you. This is very helpful,.... Thank you all
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