Loneliness And Jesus

QUESTION: Loneliness and Jesus - What is the connection? Can He fill the void?

ANSWER:

Loneliness is feeling like other people don't care about you. You don't feel like you belong anywhere, you may have even isolated yourself. No one understands how you feel and they don't care to get deep and personal with you. Can Jesus fill the void?

Yes, Jesus can fill the void. We are told in the Bible: "...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Jesus will be with each one of us, every step of the way.

It may be hard to grasp the concept because you can't see or touch Jesus. That's where faith comes in. We know He is here because the Bible tells us He is here with us. If you take some time in your loneliness and look around, you can see Him everywhere.

You can talk to Jesus like you talk to a friend. He always listens. He always cares.

Jesus knew He was never alone. He tells us in John 16:32: "But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me." Jesus had been left alone to face His trials. His best friends, the disciples, had forsaken Him. Yet, He knew His Father was with Him and that gave Him hope.

That same hope is ours too. Jesus stands beside us. We can lean on Him.

There have been many times in my life when I have felt lonely. A good friend may have slighted me intentionally or unintentionally. I was wounded so deeply and felt as if I had been shot through the heart. There wasn't any blood, yet it was just as painful to me. I would withdraw and lick my wounds. I felt like the world around me was unsafe and I could trust no one. No one cared. No one saw the real me. I would cry out and I felt no one heard me.

Then I remembered Jesus. I found comfort in reading the Bible. I found comfort in the open and loving arms of my Savior. Yes, there are still times I battle loneliness. They are becoming fewer and farther between. Jesus wraps me with His love every time I cry out in pain to Him. He really does want to know when we are hurting and lonely. He can comfort us like no one else can.

The Book of Psalms in the Bible is a wonderful place to turn to when you feel overwhelmed. I have spent many days and nights reading them for comfort and guidance.

You are not alone. Jesus is right here, reach out to Him, cry in His arms. He cares. He will comfort You.