“Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.” John 6:15 ESV
“Do you have any friends?” I remember those haunting words from a mentor of mine when I was transitioning from leading one company to starting another. His question caught me off guard to which I answered, ‘of course I do.’ He then commented, “now that you no longer are writing checks, let me know how many ‘friends’ you have.”
“Some friends play at friendship, but a true friend sticks closer than one’s nearest kin.” Proverbs 18:24 MSG
Tragic comments that laid bare the shallowness of my life. Associations resulting from an identity outlined on a business card. ‘Friendships’ defined by what I can do for you and you for me. Hollow. Temporary. Broken individuals equally struggling to have value and importance assigned through career versus care.
“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.” 1 Corinthians 3:18 ESV
The concept of alone is frightening to many while others define a desire to be alone as a personality trait. To each their own…alone.
I love reading the Bible through each year and gleaning more overlooked and incredibly empowering bits of information each year. This year as I pursue the discipline of listening, scripture has revealed the power and gift of ‘alone.’ I read about Moses alone with God on Mt. Sinai, David as he fled King Saul, Elijah as he fled Queen Jezebel. Jesus is frequently referenced placing himself in an isolated place. Why?
There is a preponderance today that says more is more. Crowded lives and crowded minds. “Social media.” “Vacations” that take us from the crowded streets of home to crowded avenues, beaches, long wait times for dinner. Families fragmented by screens that occupy our minds and become the context of reality. The beauty of quiet and simple denied as old and isolating versus the truth of peace and introspection.
Will you allow me to introduce you to a quiet and immeasurably valuable one on one relationship with God the Father? He meets with us through scripture and prayer. We are everlastingly connected to him through his son, Jesus, when we accept him as our Savior. He gifts us with the presence of the Holy Spirit that inhabits us. We are NEVER alone.
God is omnipresent. Especially in our lives. Consider that as his daughter or son, you are never alone. Consider that Satan through the World is deceiving you when you feel alone. There is no alone when you are God’s child. The simple truth is that he loves when we are “alone” with him. As I read scripture, I am drawn to the truth that the greatest defense we have against the lies of the enemy is the truth of God’s presence in our lives.
So today, reject the lie of alone. Reject the lie that noise is community. Reject the thought that more is more and accept that ‘more’ may be denying you the most, that is an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. He loves you unconditionally and places you in environments where you can most easily and clearly find and hear him.
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17 KJV
Cherish the true friends that God has gifted your life with. Guard your heart by trusting God to only allow those into your life that contribute truth and honest encouragement in your life. Be a source of hope and genuine friendship to those who open their hearts to you. They need you as you need them.
So reject the lie of alone. You are God’s daughter or son. You are never alone. Change your thinking from the sin of sadness and loneliness by replacing that mental state with the truth of an always present Heavenly Father in the Trinity.
“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4 KJV
You’ve got this.