Dear Ones,
‘Happy weekend and hope you are enjoying this beautiful day. This morning I cleaned the apartment and made 2 Mexican pies and a blueberry breakfast cake. We called our granddaughter and sang to her on her 18th birthday. Tomorrow we are going to the lake!!
Devotions from Judy’s heart
One of the greatest fears people have today is loneliness. It doesn’t seem to matter if we are married or single, in a room with a lot of people or by ourselves at home, there can be a sense of loneliness. Of course, we all feel lonely at times but God can use those times in our lives to draw us closer to him. I read what Cindi McMenamin, pastor’s wife, author, and speaker, wrote about loneliness. Perhaps we can all gain from her thoughts of how to stay encouraged when we feel life is lonely.
First of all, we can use the time to connect with the Body of Christ and interact with other believers. After an evening of fellowship, we may go home cheered and spiritually uplifted; as it says in Heb 10:24 -25 we are to be inventive in encouraging love and helping one another.
Second, we can also look for ways to serve others and focus on them rather than our selves. When the focus is off of us it seems to draw others to us as they see we are caring for them.
Third, we may also seek a mentor to help us through our lonely time. When God gives us someone to pour into our lives, then we can also pour out into others. Cindi said it is good to have someone on the right that spiritually lifts us up but also someone on our left that we can help and grow together.
Fourth, we can offer to mentor someone younger than us and share our life and wisdom with them. One day a friend asked me to mentor her, but I think I received just as much or more from our relationship.
Fifth, we can also allow our pain and loneliness to serve a greater purpose. Maybe we are new in the church and feel rather like an outsider. We can find others who are also new and connect with them. Or if we are a young mom, we can join with other moms for times of fellowship that include our children.
Sixth, we can start a gratitude journal and thank the Lord daily for all the things we are grateful for. As we add to it each day our hearts get encouraged and we see things in a positive light.”
Last of all she said to use the season of loneliness to draw us closer to the Lord. He is the one who is always with us and it is He who will give us the love and closeness we are seeking. May we not fear loneliness but simply go deeper with Him.
Challenge for today: Start a gratitude journal and find something each day that you are thankful for.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy
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