A Void

There were three women conversing about life. For the sake of this article: their names are Alisa, Betty, & Mary. Alisa asked the two ladies have they ever felt lonely. Betty, asked her why. Alisa stated that she was experiencing an overwhelming feeling of loneliness. Betty said to her, but you have a husband, children, and even grandchildren; how is it that YOU are lonely? Mary chimed in to state that she has experienced loneliness before, even in a crowded room that had much chatter. Again, the question was asked, why were you lonely if there were people and they all talking. Mary said, they were all talking, but none were talking to me. Alisa stated that her loneliness does not stem from silence or lack of companions, but from too much connectivity with man and not enough connectivity with the Lord. Alisa stated that she feels her loneliest times when she does not spend enough quality time with the Lord. The Bible says, “draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you” James 4:8a.

Often times, we can get so caught up in the comforts of this world until we depend on them rather than depend on God’s comfort. One of my favorite encouraging scriptures: “³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. When I need comfort in any affliction (self-inflicted or otherwise), I read this scripture and pray to the Lord to help me depend on Him for comfort. Depending on God’s comfort is easier said than done, especially since the comforts of this world are right at our finger tips. It takes faith to depend on God’s comfort, not so with the world’s comfort.

Comforts of this world will always leave a void. We will always end up empty; loneliness can easily set-in even when those around you are present. The problem is not that our husbands, children, grandchildren and/or other companions fail to fill our void or offer comfort, the problem is that we expect them to. No person, place, or thing can provide lasting and perfect mercies, grace, faithfulness and love… only God can. These truths about God is the ONLY true and lasting comfort. The enemy does not want us to thrive in God’s comfort. If we fail to thrive, then how can we be the conduit for God’s comfort for others. God’s plan is for us to comfort others with the same comfort that we have been comforted. We comfort others by walking out God’s truths in our lives. Think about it, when others see God in you, they are automatically comforted and feelings of emptiness and loneliness eventually dissipates.

Application: When I need comfort, I have to walk by faith and not by feelings. Faith says that I AM already comforted by God; I have to trust the truth. Feelings say I need to be comforted when already… ‘I AM’!

Heavenly Father, help me to draw near to you. You are ever present and you will never leave me. You are the great I AM. You are the God of all comfort. Remind me, oh God that as long as I have you, I have comfort and am already comforted. Help me when I am too weak to walk in that comfort. Help me not be guided by feelings of any kind, but guided by truth through faith and your strength. I believe in your word and trust that you are able. Thank you for helping me see me, but most of all for helping me see your sovereignty through your divine and submissive will in all things. Thank you God for filling my void with Jesus and all that comes with me saying yes to you. I am grateful. Your humble servant… Amen

The journey flows…