Alone??? Or not...

What does it mean when someone tells you they ‘feel alone’?

To me, I think it means they think they cannot find someone to talk to or hang out with. Some people need constant interaction with others in order to feel whole. Some people need less interaction with people and like some ‘me’ time. And then there are the people who can’t stand to be around other people – the introverts.

We are all different and all have a variety of needs when it comes to interacting with the world.

If you call yourself a Christian, God calls YOU to interact, no matter how difficult it is for you, or how much you do not like people.

I’ll admit, it is sometimes very difficult for me to be around certain people because I have the patience level of an ant… probably less than that actually. I struggle with them because they require more than I have to give at times, but God tells us to see people through His eyes. Maybe that person that needs so much attention is just really lonely and needing a friend. (I’m working on this… I promise).

Interaction with people is one aspect of the lonely vs being with people issue. There is a spiritual aspect of being alone as well.

God reminds us that fellowship with other Believers is a must in our faith, so that we do not become isolated and an easy target for the enemy. I have known people who think they must retreat inside themselves in order to handle some issue, but God does not want that from us. Especially in a full time, sulking, pity me state. If you feel yourself doing this, or you are aware that you do, make contact with other Believers so they can pray with you and for you. (A couple of months ago I received an email from a friend saying this is exactly what they were going to do in order to handle a situation. I wasn’t completely gentle in my response, but at this time, this friend needed to hear what I had to say in a way that would break through).

However, there are times God calls us to the hills so we can be alone with Him, so we have no distractions and can focus solely on what He needs to say to us. It is a good thing when He brings to our attention His desire for intimate communication with us. In this time, He wants to heal us, teach us and fulfill needs.

He DESIRES this time with us because He loves us. He wants to do good things for us.

Psalm 121:1-3 (NASB)

121 I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
² My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
³ He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.

 

Make sure you know the difference between the sulking alone thing and the one where God calls you to Him to bring you closer to Him. God WILL tell you... He likes to communicate and give us a feeling of peace when we are doing the right thing.

As a Christian, we must always remember we are not alone, because we always have Jesus. So no matter how down, how lonely or wherever you are, the valleys or the mountaintops, Jesus is there.