Do you ever feel alone in a crowd? Do you ever feel alone in a struggle? Do you ever feel that no one could possibly understand where you are coming from or where you seem to be going? Human beings were made for community, but there are many times in our walk through this life when we realize that our human companions are incapable of walking the journey with us. We grow to count on people, and eventually, even if we are surrounded by a multitude of wonderful people, one by one they will disappoint us.
What can we do? Do we turn our back on them and run for the hills? Do we grow increasingly bitter at their lack of understanding or human failings? Do we isolate ourselves further in a vain attempt to protect ourselves from more disappointment? Do we draw lines in the sand around us and shout, “You stay over there! Do not cross this line! I don’t need you to hurt me again.”
I think that when these become our questions, or when these become our thoughts that we need to stop and examine them in the face of scripture. First we need to remember that despite our feelings, in Christ we are never alone. When the Lord was about to commission Joshua to replace Moses as the leader of Israel, Moses passed on some great encouragement to Joshua that we need to listen to today, “it is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deut. 31:8)
As a Christ follower, Jesus Himself has promised us “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23) There is no greater comfort in all the world than this! We are promised communion with the God Who formed us, Who loves us beyond measure, and Who redeemed us from a futile life full of hurt, pain, and disappointment. We are never alone in Christ.
Will people still hurt us? Will people still let us down? Yes they will, but we must let the Lord use these moments to refocus our eyes upon Him, our constant companion and our closest friend. (John 15:15) When we feel alone it is usually a good indication that our eyes are looking to human beings to fulfill what only God can.
Let’s be honest with ourselves. Can WE fulfill the needs of those we love? Do WE always anticipate their lack? Can WE always see their perspective, or the depth of their struggle? Are WE the type of person that we expect other people to be? The bible says, “All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” (Rom. 3:12) I believe the “ALL” in that scripture makes everyone of us qualify for the answer…No.
No matter how wonderful we perceive ourselves to be, no matter how giving, self-sacrificing, no matter how much we think we always try to do what is right, we fail other people too, and most often we are blind to it all. The turning point for us comes when we recognize our own sin, our own lack, and stop judging other people by a standard that we ourselves cannot attain. This is the point when we realize that the forgiveness Christ lavishes upon us must be constantly extended to others. (Matt. 18: 23-35)
God has made us for communion with Him and unity with each other. Let us not mix this up. We are to rely on Christ, and show grace to our brothers and sisters. If we are feeling alone it is because we are trying to rely on our brothers and sisters, and not on Him. Today, let us bow down before our God. Let us confess that we too often put human relationships on the throne of our lives instead of Him. Let us dive deep into the Word of God, seeking to know Him better, our Maker, our Redeemer, and our Friend. Communion is just a gaze away. Look up!
walknthepath 