Could someone have hundreds or even thousands of Facebook friends and still be lonely? Could you be in a crowded room and still be all by yourself? One disturbing phenomenon of our social media age is that while communication with people around the world has never been easier, meaningful one-on-one personal interaction in many situations is almost non-existent. So yes, a person could have hundreds of Facebook friends, but still have no one who really cares enough to personally get involved and do more than send instant messages. One could be surrounded by dozens of people at work or school, but have no one with whom to spend an evening and have a heart-to-heart talk.
Thank the Lord for the spouse, family, and believing friends He has provided you. But above all, praise Him for His gracious friendship. Solomon writes: “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). There is only One whose love never wavers, who is always ready to listen and help, and who is able to do far more than we even expect or ask for. He loves you with an everlasting love. He knows every hair on your head and every thought of your heart. He promises, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him” (Psalm 103:13). His compassion is so great that He punished His Son for your sins, that you might be His child by faith. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1).
When you feel all alone, remember, you really aren’t. The Lord who rose from the grave is as close as His Word, ready to listen to your prayer and even move mountains if necessary to help you. Befriended by Jesus, may we be true friends to everyone around us and share with them the saving message of forgiveness and new life in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. |
