Proverbs 18:24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Matthew 28:20 And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Loneliness has been a critical illness this year. That sounds strange, but it is so very true especially for our elderly shut-ins and our long term care patients. With the staunch efforts that are being taken to protect these individuals from contracting COVID 19, we have isolated our prized possessions…our elders. Everyone that is doing their part in the prevention of the spread of this virus is staying home much more than usual. We can’t shake hands or share hugs, and y’all I’m a hugger! It’s been hard! It’s a big old lonely world out there, and loneliness is a killer! Today, I want to remind you that there is hope for the lonely. I have hope that this virus won’t last forever, but whether it does or not, there is hope for the hopeless, and hope for the lonely!
For we know that our hope is in Christ, and scripture reminds us over and over again about the love of Christ. Proverbs 18:24 says there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. That friend is Jesus! We may not feel the comfort of human hands and hugs, but the Word reveals to us that we are never alone. We have the truest of all friends, one that sticks with us through thick and thin, and one who will be with us until the very end. His name is Jesus! Although we may feel alone and isolated, when we look up instead of around, we realize that we are not alone. We are never alone!
Yet, there are still those among us who feel that unrelenting sense of loneliness during this time of isolation, and it is up to us to shine some light into those lives. We may not be able to visit in person, but phone calls can provide great comfort. With the invention of facetime, we can even see the face of the person we are calling. We can see smiles on the faces and the light in the eyes of those we are talking to. We can send cards, texts, and emails. But most importantly, we can send love! We can share the love of Christ with those that are feeling lonely. It is so very important to share that love today and everyday.
I have a challenge for you today. I want you to think of at least one person (I’d be honored if you wanted to be an over achiever and think of more than one). Think of one person who you haven’t spent time with in a while. It could be a grandparent, a parent, and aunt or uncle, or even an old friend. Pray with specificity for that person, and then reach out. Give that person a phone call, a text, or even drop off a gift at the door. We have so much to be thankful for. God has blessed us so richly with his mercy, grace, and love. Lets share some of that love today! We don’t have to be lonely!
Inspirations from the Funny Farm 