Tag: loneliness

Job 19:1-29 – Patience

Read Job 19:1-29

Job has such patience. He is putting up with his very annoying friends, and he is waiting on a very silent God. I’m not sure I could have endured all of this. It’s Job’s turn to speak again. He doesn’t walk away from the attacks but tries to counter once again.

Job feels abandoned. In this speech he calls out relatives, his wife, his friends, his close friends, servants, and young children. He is sitting among three of those “friends,” and from what we’ve seen so far, they have indeed turned against him. Interesting that the three we’ve seen attacking Job are not considered his “close” friends. The sacrifice of time they have made to spend time with Joel is commendable at least. It’s hard to believe Job’s closest friends have long since forgotten him. That is, according to Job’s account of their whereabouts. Continue reading “Job 19:1-29 – Patience”

Proverbs 25:15-28 – An Understanding Friend

Read Proverbs 25:15-28

Think of the friends you have had over your lifetime. Say a silent, all-inclusive prayer for them that God will meet their needs today. Some may have passed on, others you see regularly, and others have gone their way and may be totally out of touch. It’s interesting how life happens, and friends come and go.

The proverb I chose today speaks volumes on how we can be an understanding friend to someone going through a dark season. Verse 20 says, “Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar in a wound.” I am one that believes music can heal anything. Musicians are like that. However, we are warned here in this nugget of wisdom. Don’t be too cheery around friends who are struggling. It doesn’t help. Your upbeat demeanor is NOT going to “rub off.” It may even make the situation worse, like pouring vinegar on a wound – ouch!

Continue reading “Proverbs 25:15-28 – An Understanding Friend”

Psalm 142 – Help Me!

Read Psalm 142

If you were to write a psalm today, a song about your place in life, what would it look like? This psalm is ascribed to David as he is in a cave. He sounds a bit forlorn and very lonely.

While none of us are probably in a cave, we may be in a place where we feel alone. Did you know you can be in a huge crowd of people but still be alone? It’s happened to me, and I’m sure it’s happened to you. Think of an airport for example. You’ll see lots of people milling about, but most of them won’t even notice you. Most of them are so caught up in their own travel destination and itinerary to keep you company.

Maybe your psalm will be one of joyful singing for you have just received a promotion at work, become a grandparent for the first time, or have helped someone out of a jam (boy does that feel good)! It’s easy to sing praise when we are feeling joy.

God’s hand is at work in our lives in the everyday, and sometimes we forget that. He is certainly at work in every sunrise and sunset, in the beauty of creation that surrounds us. But for us personally, sometimes we feel abandoned. Maybe he is too busy helping my neighbor. But no, God is there for us all.

Verse 2 made me smile. “I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles.” Sometimes my prayer time does look like this. But I’m certain God wants to hear from us so bad, and like a good friend he is ready to hear the good and the bad. He wants to be in our lives no matter what is happening.

We need to remember that God is good. Always. Forever.

Let’s pray. Lord you are good and your mercies endure forever. I long for the day I am in your presence singing with all the heavenly hosts. For now, I love that you have put me in a place where I can make a difference. I want to feel your presence coursing through my veins. May you be in the air I breathe and the words I speak. Show me those that need to hear a word from you today and speak through me. Use me to be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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