Saturday, July 10, 2010

Stepping Stones: Loneliness, Fact or Fiction?

Transformational Tip

My girls are such a blessing to me and are always surprising me with various remarks that slip out. Sometimes I don’t think the lessons I am trying to get across to them actually sink in…but that is where those surprising statements pop up.

Tidbits like, “Dad, it seemed like you were in the room with me,” or “I felt like you were watching me,” or “I know you were there to protect me,” and “I felt you were talking to me in my head.” The interesting and amazing part is, I wasn’t even with them when they “experienced” my presence in their situation. I don’t even have any divine power.

Could you imagine having a Father that was omnipresent (is everywhere), created you, gave you life, loves you, pursues you through the ages and into the depths of your heart, perseveres your repeated rejections of Him, promises to always be with you, and never leaves your side.

You are never alone. Your God is closer to you than you dare believe and know. He is not sitting up in heaven at the control panel…he is intimately close to you. Don’t let Satan’s lie get in your head and think God stranded you. Don’t let your feelings be your reality. Just because you feel alone doesn’t mean you are alone.

Today, try and be mindful of the direct connection between loneliness and lack of awareness of how close God is to you. You’ll be surprised when you start to believe the promises He has made to be by your side. Better to believe His promises and instruction than your feelings. Remember how many times your feelings tricked you in the past.

Prayer
Dear God, I come to You to thank You for Your mercy and grace. I deeply desire to experience Your closeness and presence in my life. When I am aware of Your nearness I am not lonely…I feel peaceful and content. When I fail to recognize You I feel frightened, vulnerable and lonely. Let my feelings of loneliness be a constant reminder that I need to seek Your face…and to know that the only thing I should fear is losing my connection with You. I come to You, Lord, with my ever-so-human emptiness…fill me with Your divine presence. Fill me with life to the fullest. I pray this in the name the one who was always in Your presence, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!

The Truth
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:10

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.
Psalm 41:12