ALONE IN CHRIST
ALONE IN CHRIST
Whether we want to admit it or not loneliness often accompanies the faithful as we strive to live upright in a broken world. The ache can come after the loss of a companion, a friend, or even simply the sense that others do not share your burden. Yet even in solitude, the child of God is never truly alone. The Psalmist cries unto the Lord, “Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted” (Psalm 25:16). In those moments, God meets us where we are.
From the beginning, God reassures us of His abiding presence through His Word. Isaiah 41:10 states, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Jesus Himself promises, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). Loneliness can only overshadow the fellowship we have in Him if we allow it, because He is always there and He cares.
Yet we still struggle with loneliness and the Bible speaks of its pain. “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18). The 23rd Psalm is perhaps the most popular of the Psalms because of its familiar comfort. The psalmist’s declaration of God’s closeness is intensified in the heart of those who read, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4, KJV). He “healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3, KJV). These passages provide much solace for us in such seasons, conveying God’s presence which resonates within our hearts and drives away the despair.
So, in moments of solitude you must rely upon your steadfast hope to faithfully endure. The apostle Paul wrote, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair” (2 Corinthians 4:8). The call to wait on the Lord is not a denial of loneliness but a key to overcoming it. David wrote, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart” (Psalm 27:14). Your reliance upon God’s faithfulness will pull you through, because He promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). When you are safe in Christ, even the most hostile circumstances cannot erase your peace. “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
As a child of God your hope is still anchored in His unchangeable immeasurable love. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). The Lord’s love for you is personal and He sees you! Listen to Peter’s words in 1 Peter 5:7, “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” Even in bereavement, the faithful can cling to mercy and steadfastness “…because his compassions fail not.” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Friend, our identity remains secure in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Because, “greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). So remember that in loneliness, you are not abandoned; you are being conformed into the image of Christ, who walks with us, strengthens us, and calls us to endure with faithfulness until the day He returns. How awesome it is to know that we are never alone!
~ Casey Clement