November 19, 2018
Ponder This
The late Dr. Paul Tournier, great Christian psychiatrist from Switzerland, wrote that loneliness is the most devastating malady of this age. What is loneliness? Many confuse it with being alone. But you can be in a crowd, yet be lonely.
Loneliness doesn’t have to overwhelm you. After all is said and done, truly your only solace from loneliness is found in Jesus. Why? John 1:10-11 tells us that the world neither received Jesus nor knew Him. He understands what we feel.
When I’m discouraged, His presence sees me through. When I’m lonely, His presence cheers me up. You know, I go for a drive with Jesus. I take a walk with Jesus. I read a book with Jesus. Do you know what I’m talking about? “But I need somebody real,” you say. Jesus is real. He is closer to you than anyone else can be. He is as real to me as my closest friend. And He has time for me as though there were no one else.
When I’m worried, His presence calms me. David wrote, “I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved” (Psalm 16:8). God is at my right hand. That’s what David meant when he said, “I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4).
We will never be separated from Him! “…for He hath said, ‘I will never leave thee nor forsake thee’” (Hebrews 13:5b).
Practice This
Are you lonely? Chances are someone you know is, too. Why don’t you give someone a call right now and invite them to do something.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
