“Surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20
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An NFL team has a roster of 53 players and 16-17 players on the practice squad. Though everyone knows who the starting quarterback is, many don’t know the face, name or number of the third-string offensive linemen or the members of the practice squad. These lesser-known players may feel forgotten or neglected, but each player is an important part of the team. Even those in leadership can feel lonely because of a lack of peers who understand their unique burdens, or because people think they have everything they need already and keep their distance.
As we study the lives of some of the prophets and disciples, they tended to get more depressed and discouraged when they felt nobody was nearby. Many came close to giving up in despair but continued somehow by God’s grace.
We can often forget God is close to us, but He gives many promises to stand by us every step of the way. When the Israelites dealt with doubts and fears, God reassured them by guaranteeing His constant presence. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). God will be with us and take care of us even if others leave or forget about us. “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close” (Psalm 27:10, NLT).
Though the apostle Paul was determined to preach the Gospel, he felt the incredible pain of loneliness at times. His missionary work was dangerous and few people were brave enough to go with him on his journeys. “The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death” (2 Timothy 4:16-17, NLT).
Perhaps Jesus was the loneliest person who ever lived because no one — not even His own family — fully understood who He was or His mission, but He continued without complaining. On the day of His crucifixion, the Heavenly Father looked away as Jesus took upon Himself the punishment for our sins. Jesus cried out in emotional, physical and spiritual pain. Our dear Savior felt the worst kind of loneliness so that we would never walk alone. As death approached in the afternoon after six hours on the cross, Jesus spoke the following agonizing words: “… ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’)” (Matthew 27:46).
If there are areas in your life you are feeling unseen, forgotten or alone, remember you have the King of kings walking next to you, promising to see you through.
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia
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