You Are Not Alone
Read: Psalms 23, 2 Timothy 4:9-22, and 1 Kings 19:4-18
Loneliness is a big issue we face in the ministry or in Christian life in general. Sometimes we feel our efforts go unnoticed or unappreciated. We wonder if anyone listens when we preach or give a lesson. Maybe a long-time, faithful church member abruptly leaves. Sometimes we feel like we are the only one serving God. We need to curb this matter of loneliness. To do that, we need to mindful of some things.
We need to remember who God is. Psalms 23, our first text, tells us that God is the Lord. This is God's name, Jehovah. His name means that He is self-existent or eternal. We serve a God Who is not dead. This is the same God Who spoke everything into existence. Although, with man, it seems that He took more time in creating him. The Lord said, "Let there be light," and "it was so." He said, "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters," and "it was so." When it came time for Him to create man, it seems as though our Lord stooped down and started to form the clay like the Master Potter He is, then breathed into man the breath of life, making him a living soul.
David said, “The LORD is my shepherd.” Notice that our God is a personal God. He is MY shepherd. A shepherd protects and guides the sheep. Not only is God my Shepherd, but He is my Good Shepherd! He will not flee when dangers come; God is not a hireling. In Hebrews 13:5, God promises that He “will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Friends and church members may leave or forsake you, but God never will. David said, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up” (Psalms 27:10).
Our Good Shepherd doesn’t only protect us, but He also guides us and provides for us. We are as sheep, which go astray if left to ourselves. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord (Psalms 37:23). We need to remember that God knows the beginning, as well as the end of our journey. As He guides us, He shows us things in His Word when we need them. We must recall the goal God has for us at the end of our lives. Job said, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (23:10).
Of course, this isn’t everything we can say about our Lord Jesus Christ. We need to set aside some time to remind ourselves who He is and remember His promises. Even in the belly of the whale, Jonah remembered some Psalms (18:4-6; 86:12; 88:1-7; 120:1; 130:1; 142:1.) At that time, he was alone. This fact should remind us that when we feel lonely, we should encourage ourselves in the Lord by bringing up verses that we have memorized and hidden in our hearts. Not only is God with you, but the hearts and prayers of your brethren are also with you. You are not alone.
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