Navigating Loneliness

I am a romantic. For the longest time, Christian romance novels were my favorite type of books to read. I think there is something in most of us that wants to be part of a great love story. We crave romance, passion, and the fairytale ending. Life doesn't always work that way, though, at least not in the way we expect it to. Marriage is not a fairytale, at least not for most of us. Don't get me wrong, marriage can be wonderful, but it takes work, commitment, discipline, compromise, dedication, humility, and love.

When my husband passed away, that first year, everything was so fresh and raw. There were significant decisions to make and physical challenges to work through. That first year passed into the second, and now it's been three years. So much has changed, including myself. There have been tears and prayers, and letting go, so that God can accomplish His purposes. Now, there are days when I find myself contemplating the future. I will always love my husband, but I also know that he would want me to keep moving forward. He would want me to live life to the fullest and find love again. There are times now when I yearn for companionship and a life partner again. During these times, I pray and give my dreams and desires to the Lord. I am also in a season of pursuing God and developing my relationship with Him.

One thing I do not want to do is make marriage an idol. In the very beginning, God created man and woman. He created marriage to represent Christ's relationship with the Church. Mankind has attempted to transform it into something entirely different. We were created for relationships, and marriage is a gift God has given us. I also know that God is enough. On the days when loneliness seeks to overwhelm me, I remind myself that I am complete in Christ. He is the Husband of my soul, and He is enough. I know that if He has someone else for me, He will make it known.

If you are struggling with loneliness right now, if the desire for companionship and connection is at the forefront of your mind, I encourage you to turn to Jesus. Allow His love to sustain and comfort you. Seek to know Him better and rest in His presence. The photo of the ring in this post is a ring I purchased while in Branson during what would have been our 20th anniversary. We went there on our honeymoon, and it was my way of remembering him and the life we had shared. I purchased the ring at a show I had attended, and it reads, "Be Still." Psalm 46:10 is engraved on the back of the band. It serves as a daily reminder to remain still in God's presence. To stop trying to figure everything out and let God accomplish His will for my life. My greatest desire is to know Him better and walk in His will. Everything else is a gift. He knows the desires of my heart, and I trust Him to accomplish His purposes in His time. Some days I forget, and it is a struggle, but the Lord always brings me back to Himself and reminds me of who He is.

If you are struggling with loneliness, please meditate on the following scriptures. May the Lord Himself be your comforter.

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" - Psalm 46:10

"Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help, cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! For my father and mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in." - Psalm 27:9-10

"I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!" - Psalm 27:13-14

"...fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10

Father God,

Thank you for my dear friend reading this today. Please guide and direct them as they seek your guidance and direction. Draw them to yourself, and may they find comfort in you when loneliness rears its head. Comfort them in their grief and fill them with joy in your presence. May they come to know you better, and may they trust that you have a good plan for their life. May they be still in your presence, and may your Spirit guide them day by day as they walk in the path you have put before them. Prepare them for the next season of life you have for them. Thank you for your love and the opportunity to know you in a very real and personal way. Go with my friend this week. Please bless and encourage them. May they find true, lasting joy in your presence.

In Jesus' matchless name,

Amen

Until next time, be blessed, my friend!

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.