Lamentable Loneliness and Faithful Friend

Posted bymusingsofmanettekayPosted inChristian Living, Devotional, PrayerTags:, , , , ,

November 6th was “International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians,” many will experience loneliness through the atrocities they suffer, such as isolation from their community, denial to work or purchase food, imprisonment for their faith, or even murder of family members.

Here in the US, we approach our Thanksgiving holiday and then Christmas shortly after. Unfortunately, many people endure latent loneliness, and celebratory holidays can intensify it.

What can we do for those afflicted? For the first group, we can pray and support ministries that offer aid, heeding the words of Paul, “Remember those in prison, as though you were in prison with them, and the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily” (Hebrews 13:3, CSB).

For the second group, again we can pray, and, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, add action to our prayer. When we know such an individual, an invitation for a cup of tea, a handwritten note, inviting a widow/widower to dinner, an in-person visit to a shut-in senior, etc. can help alleviate holiday blues. Again, Paul has some words of advice, “Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2, CSB). Many versions of this passage specify “strangers” as the recipient of the hospitality.

Mother Teresa said, “The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feeling of being unloved.” I agree, but in Christ there is hope.

If you’re experiencing the pain of loneliness, I’m sorry about the ache in your soul. God knows and understands. He loves you. He ministers through people: thus, we need others in our lives. It can be hard but take steps to connect with supportive people. Pray for your own deliverance as David did, “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am alone and afflicted. The distresses of my heart increase; bring me out of my sufferings” (Psalm 25:16-17, CSB). Read/pray all of Psalm 25 to help fix your gaze upon the Savior—the Friend of sinners. Meditate on the truth embedded in the hymn lyrics below or allow the music to minister to you and redirect the eyes of your heart. (Click the title to hear a version sung.)

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
~Joseph M. Scriven

Solomon wisely advises, “Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is better than self-counsel” (Proverbs 27:9, CSB). The New Living Translation phrases it, “The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.”

Dear Reader, I’ve posted links below to reputable organizations for anyone interested in learning more about Christians under persecution. Each site publicizes critical situations in the world and ways to help in addition to prayer. If you’ve experienced loneliness, how did you overcome it?

The Voice of the Martyrs

Open Doors

Prayer:
Holy Father God, You are righteous and good deserving of our adoration and praise. Hear the cries of Your hurting children, comfort them in their afflictions. Allow them to feel Your presence and to hear Your soothing voice in the midst of their pain. Holy Spirit, help them to cling to the Hope offered through Jesus Christ—the forever faithful Friend.

For those in extreme persecution, give them the endurance to remain steadfast in their faith. LORD, fill them with the ability to forgive their assailants as You have forgiven. Provide Your persecuted children with a fresh breath of hope each day. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Author Bio
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, grandmother, great-grandmother, foster care parent, and trauma survivor. I enjoy sipping tea, writing devotionals, prayers, short stories, and unburdening my heart to the Lord. Check the About page if you want to read more of my story.

Would you like to know more about the afterlife and how you can be assured of eternity in Heaven? Check the Questions page.

Check the Free Gifts page for downloadable/printable study guides and resources.

Copyright © 2020-2023 Musings of Manette Kay™ All rights reserved. Requests to the author and publisher, Manette Kay, for permission.

Photo of man sitting on a bench by Inzmam Khan on Pexels.
Scripture quotation added by Manette Kay.

Published by musingsofmanettekay

Sharing bits of memoir in the format of devotionals, prayers, short stories, and occasionally a poem.

20 thoughts on “Lamentable Loneliness and Faithful Friend”

  1. A good post Manette on a much ignored ailment that affects many in society. I remember times of painful loneliness in my past when I went out my way to meet folk; but I couldn’t escape during public holidays when everyone was home and shops closed.
    God bless you today sister 🙏

    Liked by 1 person

      1. One Christmas I took further action by inviting a friend and brother in Christ to spend Christmas with me; he stayed for two days and we had great fellowship in the Word and prayer. Otherwise we would have both been alone over Christmas.

        Liked by 1 person

      1. This hymn was sung so much in the churches I went to as a child, that I could hear it in my memory as I read the words. So I did not listen to the audio when I left my earlier comment. After reading what you said about the blessing in the middle of the song, I clicked on your link and played the song. It gave me happy tears!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Linda, thanks, for stopping back and sharing. I think most are just reading the lyrics. Like you, I know the original hymn but I wanted to put a link for the younger generation who didn’t grow up with them. I must’ve listened to about ten different artists looking for one to link. When I heard this it moved me to tears too. I’ve played it several times and it bolsters my faith each time.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Highlighting the plight of persecuted Christians and praying for them was the focus at church last Sunday for us.
    Wonderful post of a much needed reminder for us to not forget those who are lonely and combine action with words where we can and where the Lord leads especially in this upcoming holiday season.
    God bless you Manette 💙

    Liked by 1 person

  4. God bless you for bringing this to our attention, it’s easy to forget how much it can cost to be a Christian in some parts of the world. Perhaps even more so the lonely souls around our doors.

    Liked by 1 person

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