There have been many times in my life that I have felt almost all alone. This is difficult to say in a family like ours. We did not have much “alone” time (and I love that feeling). However, when I entered my junior and senior high school years, I had the feeling that I was the only Christian in my entire school. That was not true, of course, but it was the way I felt. I can remember my beliefs being challenged publicly as well as one-on-one as I tried to stand for Christ. I can remember trying to witness to my friends (I wish I knew then what I know now about how to witness, and how not to witness), and hearing them refuse to hear my entire story.
I remember times in college when I felt like I was a man on an island, and very much alone. As we entered ministry, I was so naïve that I thought everyone would love us, and that we would love everybody. I felt like this would finally be a sort of spiritual utopia for us. It only took about two months to realize that there would be times of feeling alone even in the ministry. The reality is that there will always be opposition. Part of the reason for that is that we are all sinners. Our own behavior can be responsible for some of this “alone” time.
Today I read a chapter that I am sure was very difficult for David to write. He began the chapter by telling about his own struggles with feeling alone, and as though everyone was against him. But right in the middle of the chapter I read, “But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God” (Psalm 31:14). Later he would write, “Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men” (Psalm 31:19)!
There are important lessons to be learned from this chapter. The first is that none of us is exempt from feelings of being alone (if we are living lives that are sold out to God). Even David, a man after God’s own heart felt this way. I can expect no less, and I should not be surprised by these feelings. Second, the answer to those feelings of loneliness, or even of isolation is to trust in the Lord! It is important that in times of loneliness, we remember that God is our God (personal).
As we remember that God is for us, we can see the goodness that God has planned for our lives, if we fear Him. So, today, if you are feeling alone, or as though everyone is against you; fear Him … trust in Him. He is our God, and He never leaves or forsakes you! I have found great comfort in knowing these things are true. I want to remember today that God is all I need!