"Lonely People"

“Lonely People”

 

During the Promise Keepers’ Pastors’ Conference mentioned in the previous article there were four of us who hung out together (Russ Bailey, Wally Holder, Don McDowell, and myself) which proved to be a blessing for each of us. After the gathering Wally and I built a special bond. We saw or called each other about twice a month to share and pray and worked together in various ministries until God called him Home in 2003. I think of him often and thank the Lord for putting him in my life.

As we four sat together in that huge arena I thanked the Lord for the fellowship we were enjoying. But then I noticed one man sitting across the stadium. He was in the top row with no one near him. I had no idea who he was or what his circumstances might have been but wondered if he was at a crossroads in his life and wanted to be alone with God to sort things out. I prayed silently for him then and still do so as the Lord brings him to mind.

As I’ve thought of this gentleman over the years I’m reminded that the world is full of lonely people. Some may be grieving the loss of a spouse or child, others may feel abandoned by family and friends, a few may have burned their bridges by carelessness or lack of kindness, or other reasons. Since God created us for interaction with others through marriage (“It is not good for the man to be alone….”—Genesis 2:18), friendship (“As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.”—Proverbs 27:17, NLT), and the church (“…in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”—Romans 12:5) loneliness suggests something is missing in a person’s life. How can this void be filled? Maybe by me or others.

Jesus encountered a number of people society had rejected as unworthy or sinful—lepers, the woman at the well, and Zacchaeus come to mind. But in each case He reached out and touched them with His love and acceptance. Can I do any less as His follower today?

There’s a line in an old hymn which says, “I would be friend of all—the foe, the friendless….” Who is out there crossing my path to whom I can keep this promise? How about yours?

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan