Continuing this this series on “lessons learned in struggles.” I’d like to share another important – if not the most important – topic I’ve thought about having gone through some pretty intense struggles..and I’d like to do it in the form of a statement and a question:
You are alone…or are you?
As a human being who has lived this life for any length of time, I’m sure there are times you’ve felt lonely.
Even when having good friends (theme of last article), there can be those times when we perhaps feel like no one else around us really understands, cares, or truly gets what we’re going through.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been there..and still find myself there sometimes.
I guess an important logical question to ask is: is that really true?
Are you and I really alone in the world when no one around us really knows or understands what’s happening with us?
What are your beliefs around this?
I know it’s not my place to answer this question for you, but I’ll share my own answer to this question.
When there is no one around me that I feel knows or truly understands what I’m going through (including good friends), I have a deep, abiding belief that there is One always with me.
One who listens perfectly.
One who doesn’t make assumptions but actually knows.
One who gives advice but has every authority to do so.
One who is the Perfect Friend.
This One is my Creator, Savior, Lord, and Friend, and His Name is Jesus.
Creator – “And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe.” Hebrews 1:2
Who could be closer than a Creator who has “knit” us “together” in our “mother’s womb” and made us “wonderfully complex”? (Psalm 139)
Savior – “And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for He will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
Who could be closer than One who has the Power to forgive our sins?
Lord – “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
Who could be closer than the One who is the Ultimate Lord?
Friend – “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13
Who could be closer than one offered himself so that you and I could be forgiven, purified, and cleansed of our sins?
Lastly, the author of the book of Hebrews also points this out
“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.” Hebrews 4:15
In other words, for the person who has put his or her faith in Jesus, we are given His Spirit and have a God who was and is not only fully God but also fully human and able to relate to what we’ve gone through and are going through. Scripture reminds us He experienced the messy, dark side of life here on the earth and witnessed and endured great suffering.
Who better to be able to relate to us than a God who knows what struggles and troubles are like?
For me, I’ll add that this faith is not a blind faith but a faith based upon evidence, both experiential and historical.
It’s a relationship, and that’s why I believe I’m never alone even when I feel that way in my human experience.
Do I sometimes have doubts? Sure, such is the nature of belief in the supernatural.
At the same time, do I regularly see the effects of this faith in God in my life even though I can’t see Him? You bet I do!
I could quite literally go on and on – as you can see – about My Best Friend :) …but I digress…
Coming back to you, my precious reader, I want you to know I know how you answer this question is unique to you and I honor your beliefs even if different from mine…
So, as you consider what I’ve shared…
What do you think/believe? Do you think you’re all alone in the world when there are those moments when no other people around you seem to be able to relate, listen to you, or understand what you’re facing?
If the answer is “yes,” how does that impact how you think about and live your life?
If the answer is “no,” do you believe in a Higher Power? What’s your Higher Power like? Do you know the character and nature of this Higher Power? How do you relate to this Higher Power? Why do you believe in this Higher Power?
If this article has piqued your interest for further discussion, please do reach out and let’s connect!
Let’s thrive and be and remember: we’re not alone.
