Loneliness

One of the first recorded statements of our Lord is: "It is not good for the man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18). We agree, and we try to plan our lives to keep loneliness out. But can loneliness be a good thing? Is it always to be avoided?

Jesus faced that question 2000 years ago. He used a solitary time in the desert to grow stronger in His calling. There Satan tempted Him unsuccessfully with the lure of popularity.

And while He was constantly surrounded by crowds, even His closest disciples frequently misunderstood Him.

Perhaps His loneliest hour came in the Garden of Gethsemane:

Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will" (Mark 14:35-36).

The loneliness was intense, painful. But Jesus knew it was necessary. It prepared Him for the final road He had to travel alone . . . to a cross.

(Article continues below...)

Life can be lonely. Life brings us crises that must be faced alone but that draw us closest to God. As in the story of Job, friends' voices can drown out His voice. Loneliness can bring a new depth to our love for the Lord—a depth that might not have been otherwise possible.

Yet when we face those trials, we know that He has been down that road before us. We also know that He goes with us.