Topic: Reframing Our Loneliness – Daily Devotional by Proverbs 31 Ministries  12 January  2024

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Reframing Our Loneliness

JANUARY 12, 2024

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” Psalm 139:7-8 (NIV)

“What do you have coming up this week?”

I tried to disguise the crack in my voice as I answered my mom’s question as casually as possible, not wanting her to hear the ache of isolation I felt. “Oh, this and that. You know, busy mom life.”

A cross-country move had left me miles away from family and friends. Sure, life was busy in this new place — but busy is a poor substitute for relationships and the security of being known. Those days, loneliness felt like my only friend, a BFF so devoted she would never leave my side.

Perhaps you can relate. The friendships you desire haven’t materialized (or perhaps they’ve fallen by the wayside). The partner you’d hoped to spend your life with hasn’t shown up yet (or maybe decided to walk away). Your home that used to buzz with children’s laughter and light is all quiet now (or you’ve dreamed of this home but haven’t been able to build it).

Despite all the blessings in your life, there’s no denying it — your heart feels the sorrowful squeeze of seclusion.

When loneliness strikes, the Bible provides comfort. In my season of solitude, I especially found encouragement in today’s key verses from Psalms, beautifully penned by David:

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there” (Psalm 139:7-8).

In poetic form, David reminds us of the one crucial truth we can cling to for dear life when loneliness looms: We are never truly alone, no matter how void our hearts or homes feel.

God’s watchful, unwavering presence wraps around us, even when others have walked away. His Spirit goes with us to the world’s farthest reaches or into the workplaces where we feel unseen. He holds us steady when grief gnaws at our souls and when the enemy whispers, You will never belong.

Like David, we can learn to reframe how we see lonely seasons — not as a vacuum to fill but as an invitation into a deep and abiding fellowship with our heavenly Father. Through this lens, we can even learn to embrace lonely seasons as a unique opportunity to let Jesus fill our empty spaces. In the process, we’ll find that His presence provides an abundance no earthly relationship and no amount of numbing can match!

The next time loneliness squeezes your heart, let it be a reminder to lean into God’s unseen, unending presence.

Through prayer, tenderly turn over all your pain and tears to Him.

Then invite Jesus into your empty places, dear one — and prepare to enjoy the comfort of His closeness like never before.

Dear Jesus, thank You for the gift of Your constant presence. When loneliness overwhelms us, remind us that You’re calling us into deeper, sweeter fellowship with You. Draw us close to Your heart! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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