February 2023

  No, this is not a reference to an Elvis Pressley song. It is a sincere pastoral question. Are you lonely? If we would be truthful, there are times when we all sense a heavy weight of loneliness. The strongest personalities in the Bible faced such an emotional burden. Even Jesus experienced loneliness when He was on earth. It does no good to deny its reality. Its presence will quickly mute such thoughts. Perhaps it is because a loved one has passed away or maybe it is because a child has forgotten you. Maybe you are wondering whether God has forgotten you too. I think at one time or another, we have all been there.

  Amy Carmichael was a missionary to India. She suffered from prolonged loneliness and being homesick. One day her loneliness became almost unbearable. When her mail arrived that morning, she ran into the house, sped into her bedroom, and locked the door. She knelt beside her bed, opened the letters, and read them out loud to the Heavenly Father. When she did, her gloom and doom lifted, and her loneliness completely vanished. She felt the power of God and was comforted by the fact she had a Heavenly Friend with whom to share her news, experiences, thoughts, and feelings.

  Jesus promised that He would never leave nor forsake us. He will never forget us, and He will never fail us. When we feel forgotten and abandoned, He will come to us. When we feel alone, He will comfort us. Others will let us down, causing us to feel forgotten, but Jesus never will. Remember these words and know that you are never alone:

  “You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it. [Psalm 139:5-6]

With a pastor’s heart, 

 Pastor Eddie