Laurel Heights SDA Church Blog

Does God care enough for my situation that He is with me right now? The Corona Virus Pandemic has kept me in self-isolation since March and I am tired of it.

These thoughts have been expressed by many these past weeks. David in Psalms 22:1 complains to God when he says, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning?” Again, in Psalms 42:9 he asks, “I will say to God my Rock, ‘Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?’” But it’s not just David who struggled with seeming total aloneness. In fact, Jesus, when He was dying on the cross, cried out to the Father, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46 NKJV)

When things work out different than we desire, we often feel all alone in our misery. This becomes so personal that even though Jesus knew the eventual outcome, He in human desperation cries out “where are you My Father?” (PB’s paraphrase)

Loneliness or the feeling that “I am in this all by myself” can be very discouraging. In fact, it can be so overwhelming that we may come to the point that we feel we have nowhere to turn. The thought of giving up on life itself may pass through our mind. Certainly, when we know someone that is in this situation, a phone call, text, or email may be a blessing beyond words. However, when we find ourselves in an all alone situation and things are crumbling around us what can we do? Here are 4 things that you may find helpful:

1. Trust God. Talk to God – He will help. He understands your need. Jesus anticipating His hour of extremity on the cross shared with the disciples in John 16:32, “Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. (NKJV) Yet when He was on the cross dying for us, he cried out “…My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” When we are at our extreme wits end, we, like Jesus may not be able to see our way through the situation. It is in times like this that we must remember Jesus words, “…the Father is with Me.” Joshua, when he was about to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River to possess the land of promise, was assured by the Lord, “…as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:5b (NKJV) Trust that Jesus is always with us.

2. Call a trusted friend. Share with them your struggle. They may be struggling as well, and you could be an encouragement to each other. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:24 that friendships develop when we are friendly. It goes on to say that “…there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” The implication here is that a good friend will stand by you when even your brother, family member, gives up on you. Build good friendships.

3. Help Someone. Connect with someone in need. Ask them, “How are you doing?” “Is there anything I can do to help?” You may be surprised at their response and the result of helping others is often the best way to help oneself. Getting our energies focused on a positive activity brings a feeling of value and accomplishment. Goldie Hawn is quoted as saying, “Giving back is as good for you as it is for those you are helping, because giving gives you purpose. When you have a purpose-driven life, you’re a happier person.”

4. Seek professional help. If you realize that you are dangerously lonely, seek professional help. Sometimes we need help working through the issues of life and a trained individual may be of great help.

Our God is able to help us in this time of self-isolation loneliness. He uses many different ways to help us. The four just mentioned (Trust God, Call a trusted friend, Help someone, Seek professional help) may help.

Father God, we are living in a very difficult time. We are tired of self-isolation and are in need of socialization. Please help us to find help in ways that will not compromise our health. Help us to seek You daily and especially when the way seems impossible. Thank you for your never-ending love and interest in each of us. In Jesus name, amen.

God Bless you each, Pastor Bill Lindeman