We currently have a loneliness epidemic in our society. In addition to the loneliness that inevitably floods our souls in the aftermath of great loss, death, or separation, we are experiencing a loneliness that deprives our souls of meaningful connection in an ocean of screens, saturated schedules, and ceaseless stimulation.
Sometimes loneliness stems from the inability to be present in a room full of people. When we can’t decompress our own nervous systems, it feels impossible to invite others into the crowded chaos of our souls.
Yet, we know from Scripture that Jesus welcomed isolation. There were times His soul sought opportunities to be alone; a swift exit from the masses, a lone sojourn up a hillside, a cozy bench on a boat in rough waters.
For those who don’t know Jesus, sadly there is no other risen savior from which to seek solace for their souls. Yet, for those of us who know Christ as the friend who sticks closer than a brother, what ingredient are we missing from the life of THE Bread of Life? If sacred silence nourished and replenished Jesus, why is that same silence deafening to our lonely souls?
Perhaps our disconnect needs a reconnect to the One who walked to the cross in our shoes.
But how does a nervous system that’s succumbed to constantly living at an 8 out of 10 settle into the sacred silence of being alone with the Lord without feeling lonely? How does coming into His presence help us become more present in the moment?
While there are many helpful biblical and medical responses to this question, I believe the key that unlocks the prison door of our lonely souls is our private worship of God. How we relate to and spend time with God in private steers how we worship God with our lives, our priorities, and our time.
If we go back to the very beginning, in Genesis 1, we see that while man and woman were the crown of creation, the climax of creation (and our lives) is rest and worship in God our Maker.
Being made in God’s image means we all have a Sabbath-seeking soul who is made to worship a Source greater than the god within. In fact, the god of self will only keep us chained to a lonely existence while the God of Creation will set us free for eternal rejoicing.
In fact, we see in the gospels that worship was Jesus’ secret for wellness. Being fully divine and fully human meant His Spirit was always ministering to his flesh and his flesh sought times of rest for the purpose of worship and living as one with the Father.
“Yet he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16 CSB)
Yet it’s important to understand that worship takes on many forms in our daily lives. Prayer, conversation, service, a warm smile, a kind word, singing, dancing, trusting , forgiving, climbing a mountain, or lying prostrate in tears are all ways to worship the One whose image we all bear. Simply stated, worship is any way we reflect the heart of our Maker. It is not just something we do, but a reflection of who we are in Christ.
As believers, worship becomes the reflection of our daily surrender and the cross is the eternal mirror of the heart of God.
Friends, are you wrestling with the shadow of loneliness? Are you finding it harder and harder to decompress and process a crushing loss, worrisome news, or a busy day? Are you just going through the motions of life or soaking in the moments that move you?
The good news is that God has already set eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11). And when we turn to Him, cry out to Him, seek Him, our Sabbath-seeking souls will rejoice in the assurance of His saving grace and eternal companionship.
If your loneliness stems from the inability to be present in a room full of people, try entering into God’s presence as often as you can remember this week. Think about Him, talk to him, sing, trust, pray, spend time in His creation, work, play, laugh, forgive, cry, ask, seek; He’s always listening, always available, always waiting with open arms.
Prayer:
Lord, May worship that empties our earthly cares and elevates our eternal connection become our secret to wellness both now and forever, Amen.
Encouraging Verses:
“You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13 CSB)
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,” (Psalm 103:2-3 ESV)
“See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20 CSB)
“And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.””(Exodus 33:14 ESV)
