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Senior Living - March 10, 2017

Leaning on Christ in the midst of loneliness

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. - Psalm 34:18

A woman recognized the famous pastor F. B. Meyer one day in her neighborhood, and she ventured to share her burden with him. For years she had cared for a crippled daughter who brought great joy to her life. But the daughter had died, and the grieving mother was alone and miserable.

So Meyer told her, “When you get home and put the key in the door, say aloud, ‘Jesus, I know You are here!’ and be ready to greet Him directly when you open the door. And as you light the fire, tell Him what has happened during the day; if anybody has been kind, tell Him; if anybody has been unkind, tell Him, just as you would have told your daughter. At night stretch out your hand in the darkness and say, ‘Jesus, I know You are here!’”

Some months later, Meyer was back in that same neighborhood and met the woman again, but he did not recognize her. Her face radiated joy instead of announcing misery. “I did as you told me,” she said, “and it has made all the difference in my life, and now I feel I know Him.”

You may be dealing with deep grief today. Or perhaps you’re lonely and just need to know someone is there. Jesus is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24), and is with you no matter what. So let Him be your best friend and cling to Him though any loneliness you face.

Prayer Challenge

Ask God to remind you that Jesus is a true friend who sticks closer than a brother. Talk to Jesus like you would anyone else because He’s there and will always listen.

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