Lonely Places by David Jeremiah

Monday, September 18

Lonely Places 

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. 
Luke 5:16, NIV 

Recommended Reading Luke 5:12-16

Sometimes we withdraw to the lonely places, and sometimes we need to withdraw from them. We all need private times to detach from the turmoil and to abide in the Lord’s presence. Jesus often sought lonely places to cultivate the stillness and strength He needed. But when our lonely places are too lonely for too long, our wellbeing is at risk. A report in USA Today claimed a 26 percent increased likelihood of death for those who feel lonely and 29 percent for those who have actual social isolation. According to the report, more people are living alone now than at any time in recorded human history.

Many biblical characters faced isolation and anguish in ways we cannot imagine. King David said, “I am like a pelican of the wilderness” (Psalm 102:6) and “No one cares for my soul” (Psalm 142:4). It helps to remember that even our greatest heroes in Scripture battled loneliness. It isn’t a sin; it’s a temporary situation and sometimes, as in Jesus’ case, it is even beneficial. It provides needed time for prayer.

Whenever you’re in a lonely place, remember that God is there with you, and He always cares for your soul.

Whenever I feel lonely, it helps me to know that a man as great as King David—a man after God’s own heart—could feel just as I do.
David Jeremiah