Loneliness creeps in at the most unexpected moments. Sometimes when I’m in a crowded room, I can feel completely unnoticed and unseen. In the busyness of life, when several days have passed between intimate conversations with a friend, I can feel isolated. It seems I am just going through the motions with days that appear endlessly the same. Even when conversation takes place, if I feel misunderstood or rejected, loneliness creeps in and tells me that I don’t belong.
Loneliness is a strange thing indeed because it has nothing to do with physical presence. Sometimes, when I am physically alone, the presence of the Father is so close I feel held and known. A friend might text a prayer or just an “I’m thinking about you today,” and suddenly I feel loved. An unexpected smile from a complete stranger who holds the door for me can have the profound effect of acknowledgement that feeds my soul at just the right moment.
Recently, as loneliness crept into a mundane day, a picture of sheep popped up on my computer screen. In the simplest way the Lord reminded me…
The Lord is my shepherd. I do not lack companionship.
He makes me lie down in green pastures where I rest and graze in His intentional care.
He leads me beside still waters where I drink from His river of life.
He restores my soul as I follow His path where He is ever-present with purposeful moments of grace.
His rod and His staff are with me, providing comfort, protection, and care even in the darkest of my emotions.
He prepares a feast of His well-planned, thoughtful goodness that flows over my heart and soul like oil, washing away the fear of being unseen and unknown.
Surely my cup overflows with His presence which will follow me all of my days.
The next time you find loneliness creeping in, may you rest in the knowledge of the goodness of the Shepherd who is leading you. May your eyes be open to His intentional gestures of love of companionship. May you know that you are never alone.
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” ~ Your Loving Shepherd (Hebrews 13:5)
-Liz