In His Presence
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
Insight
During my childhood, loneliness was a constant companion. Being an only child, I relied on my neighborhood friends to join me in outdoor Saturday play. However, some of the loneliest days were during holidays.
I vividly recall asking for a Monopoly game for Christmas and feeling thrilled when I unwrapped it on Christmas morning. Eagerly, I set up the board with all the money and pieces, excited to play! However, my excitement turned to sadness when no one could join me. My friends were with their families, and my grandmother was preparing the Christmas feast. I found myself alone, gazing at my Christmas present, feeling pitiful. Despite my friends living just a few houses away, their physical presence was absent from the room.
Now, as I look back on those times, I realize that there are moments when I feel that even God is distant, leaving me to experience a whole new level of loneliness. According to the dictionary, loneliness is "the quality of being unfrequented and remote isolation," and some consider it a state of mind.
But is there a way to transform loneliness into delight?
When we find ourselves alone, we often reach for our phones to scroll through social media or turn on the TV to fill the void. But instead, what if we took the opportunity to connect with God?
He is always close to us and eager for us to reach out to Him. Perhaps God's nearness is His goodness. He assures us that He will never leave us and that His presence is always with us, no matter what. Even when we don't feel Him, He remains steadfast and unyielding in the room of our hearts.
To find God in times of despair or loneliness, we must truly understand who He is. We will continue to feel that emptiness without genuine knowledge of Him. Thankfully, He desires us to know Him and has made it easy to find Him.
As the Bible says in Psalms 16:11, "In His presence is the fullness of joy," or as I like to put it, the fullness of delight! Loneliness and delight cannot coexist in the same space. So how can we turn things around? Let's seek Him!
Reflection
How can you make changes when loneliness sets in, and where can you seek support?
In what ways could loneliness transform into delight for you?
Which areas of your life do you need to surrender to God? Have you taken a moment today to count your blessings?
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for never leaving my side. Your constant presence fills me with delight, even in times of failure. I am grateful for your gentle guidance, always leading me closer to you. Help me maintain this connection with you throughout each day. Instill within me a heart of gratitude. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Cindy Stauffer, Administrative Assistant at our Wilmington Campus, wrote today’s devotional.