December 6, 2024
Alone with God
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
Have you ever felt like the little boy who was told he should not be afraid of the dark because the Lord was with him? The boy said, “I know that, but I want somebody with skin on.” Sometimes when we feel lonely, we find ourselves wanting to talk with someone who has skin on. But God never slumbers or sleeps. He is closer to us than any brother (see Proverbs 18:24).
Maybe you feel alone because you refuse to compromise your Biblical convictions. Your friends make fun of you and challenge your faith.
When you think about true loneliness, remember the Garden of Gethsemane. Nothing we face can compare to the depth of loneliness Jesus experienced. Not only did His friends and disciples abandon Him, but the Father turned His face away from His Son as Jesus bore the sins of the world on the cross.
The psalmist lamented, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?” (Psalm 22:1). If you feel like the psalmist, take comfort: You are not alone. God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Christ experienced the deepest level of loneliness so you might have eternal fellowship with the Father, who loves you perfectly.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that when I am lonely, You are there to encourage me with Truth from Your Word and through Your Spirit. Help me to come to You and find peace. Be merciful to me, Father; bring me a godly friend to point me to You and show me Your goodness. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken” (Psalm 62:1-2).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series The Paradox of Loneliness: LISTEN NOW
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Watch Dr. Michael Youssef on this week's broadcast of Leading The Way at LightSource.com.