Rodney Howard Browne explains that too often, believers in Christ are ashamed to admit that they struggle with loneliness. Some assume, “If anyone knows I’m lonely, they may not think I’m satisfied in my relationship with Jesus.” What a tragic mistake! Nowhere in the Bible does it say that it is a sin to feel lonely. The truth is, even the most committed Christians feel lonely from time to time.
Rodney Howard Browne show us that all throughout Scripture, we see godly men and women admitting their feelings of loneliness. Quite often in the Psalms, we see this of David. Psalm 25:16-17 shows David to be “lonely and afflicted,” while Psalm 102:7 reveals his sleepless nights due to loneliness. And this was a man who was famous for his relationship with God!
The apostle Paul struggled with loneliness during his travels as well. In 2 Timothy 4:16, he recounts a time of distress and remarks, “all [have] deserted me.”
Pastor Rodney Howard Browne shows us that these are all men who had unquestionably wonderful relationships with God, yet they admitted their loneliness. Even Jesus demonstrated the need for close relationships, as well as the heartache caused when they are ruptured. On the night of His arrest, He took His closest friends with Him to pray, only to sorrowfully discover that they had fallen asleep and left Him alone. (Matthew 26:36-46)
If you are struggling with similar feelings, do not be afraid to admit it to God and to your friends. Invite someone into the pain of your loneliness. That will be the first step on your journey out of it.
1.
Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.
2.
O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed , let not mine enemies triumph over me.
3.
Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed : let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
4.
Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
5.
Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
6.
Remember , O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
7.
Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD.
8.
Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
9.
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
10.
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
11.
For thy name’s sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
12.
What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose .
13.
His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.
14.
The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
15.
Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
16.
Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.
17.
The troubles of my heart are enlarged : O bring thou me out of my distresses.
18.
Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.
19.
Consider mine enemies ; for they are many ; and they hate me with cruel hatred.
20.
O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed ; for I put my trust in thee.
21.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
22.
Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
