So many people struggle with loneliness these days.
Do you?
Even with Facebook and Twitter and Pinerest(new there), I often feel alone. Alone in my struggles. Alone in my joys. Alone in my laughter. Alone as a wife and mom. Alone as a writer. Alone as a speaker. Alone in my passion for all things God.
Does anyone really know me? Do they know my fears? My dreams? My favorite things? What breaks my heart? Why I pray?
Online connections are great but they aren’t the same as face to face friendships.
I need friends.
But I am NOT good at being a friend. I recently acknowledged this in myself. Humbling because I feel deep love for people. I am responsible for my lack of deep friendships. I show up in crisis. (Thanks, gift of mercy) But beyond that I am a free bird. I fly around and meet all kinds of friends, but I don’t know how to invest in long term friendships. I struggle with commitment. Plus I’m not the type to initiate, so I often wait to be invited. Well, these days, that rarely happens. Over the years I have become comfortable alone, at home. Actually I like being alone.
Introvert, anyone?
Yet deep down, I dream of adventures with friends. Going out and helping others. Speaking as a team. Belly laughing. Praying as one. Crying. Exploring God’s country. Taking fun pics. Or experiencing the gift of seeing Jesus in faces all around the world. Not alone but with a friend.
Today I find comfort in knowing that even though I am not the best of friends, I have the greatest friend. I have Jesus. I am never alone. He is the one I share my days with. He is the one who knows my depths of heart. He is faithful and forgiving. He is full of love and mercy. He prays for me. His love covers me.
And best of all, He calls me friend. (Read John 15)
Jesus, thank You for being my best friend. I find such joy in our friendship. You satisfy me when I feel lonely. Today, I’m ready to pray a new prayer. Teach me how to be a good friend, a committed friend. Help me see when I am hiding. Help me step out when someone needs a friend. Help me know who to trust. Lord, You laid down your life for a friend. I want to do the same. Not with a bitter heart, but with gladness and in Your love. Amen.
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For fun and in honor of friendship with God and others – Toy Story – You’ve Got a Friend in Me – YouTube video
I know what it’s like to feel alone in a sea of people- even those who know me best sometimes feel like strangers.
I think loneliness is a great tool of satans, meant to keep us immobile.
Like you said though- thankfully Jesus calls me friend!