Thursday, September 26, 2013

When You Feel Lonely In Crowded Places

Hey Friend,

There was a buzz in the air as people found their seats and wondered and speculated about the giant spaceship looking thing that seemed to form the stage.  I was there with my husband and two grown children to witness, in person, the one and only U2 in concert.  Certainly an enviable ticket.  You could almost feel the electric current pass among the 60,000 fans all anticipating the event to come.

My kids had led the way in followed by my husband, then me.  Not a word passed between my husband and me before the concert.  His back was turned toward me as he engaged my kids in excited conversation.  Unbeknownst to me, it was merely weeks until my husband would leave. 

The lights lowered and the spaceship came alive with lights.  "It's A Beautiful Day" rang out in the crisp night air.  I could see the stars and the thousands of waving cell phones.  I bit my lip and in the darkness tears burned down my cheeks.  Here in this crowd of 60,000 people, I had never felt so alone in all my life.

Why do crowded places breed loneliness?  I often, if I'm going to feel lonely, feel lonely in crowds.

I believe that in crowds we realize that we are not connected.  When there is a disconnect between us and God, or a disconnect between us and others, loneliness sets in.  A crowd is just a blatant reminder that something is amiss.

Does God allow loneliness to find us so that we will seek Him?  Perhaps so...

David, in the Bible, was no stranger to loneliness.  Read Psalm 38:9-15.  David cries out with his longings and laments that his friends and companions avoid him.

God, however never avoids us or forsakes us...even in our loneliness.

"Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave nor forsake you."  (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Jesus was also no stranger to loneliness when his close friends fell asleep on him and he was all alone in the garden of Gethsemane.  Jesus stood by himself in a crowd as people jeered and mocked him, tortured him and sent him to his death...alone.

But, thankfully, God is loving and compassionate and true to all his promises.

I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you.  (John 14:18)

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  (Isaiah 41:10)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

I have found that it is often at my loneliest points - when my heart cries out to God that He is faithful and draws near.  He IS the great Comforter and He IS the God who sees (El-Roi)!

He held my hand that night, there in the massive crowd.  The tears didn't stop, but my Father was counting and catching them.  If you are in a lonely place, His promises are true for you!  Know that you are loved...

Love,

Bev
ps.  I continue to pray, both morning and evening, for all who read my blog.  Praying especially for you if you are feeling lonely. You are not alone.  You are loved...



9 comments:

  1. I love how both of our recent posts have this theme of how God is with us. I'm thinking this is something God is wanting to remind us of. And that feeling lonely in the crowd, yep...me too! I come from a big family (one of ten kids) and yes I feel lonely in that crowd. I seek Him in those moments but I know I also need to be careful of not hiding there and remember He wants us to love others too. I need these words ---> He IS the great Comforter and He IS the God who sees (El-Roi)!
    Thank you friend!! I'm still feeling so very grateful for our time together yesterday. Love you. (((Hugs),
    Beth

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    1. Yes, Beth, we were on the same wavelength this week. In your busy schedule, it means so much that you would stop by!! Let us take the love and comfort we get from our Father and turn it outward! So thankful for our time to chat on the phone!!
      Love and ((hugs)),
      Bev

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  2. God is with us. It's such a good reminder for wherever we are.

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    1. Kristin,
      In our loneliness or in our joy...God IS with us no matter where we are!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  3. You know, I've been hanging out in some noisy crowds these days and I regret it. Not on purpose but the blogosphere can be a very noisy competitive place. And it can be lonely out here. So I'm glad for this little "out of the blue" moment and where I have now found you. Bless you Sister!

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    1. Loretta,
      I'm so glad you found me too...yes, even the blogosphere can be a very lonely and competitive place. I keep reminding myself that I am writing to an audience of One and try to enjoy the friendships I make along the way. So glad you stopped by! You are welcome here anytime sister - in - Christ!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  4. This is beautiful, Bev. Loved every word. There is such truth and valuable wisdom to what you wrote.

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    1. Jen,
      I so appreciate your encouragement and taking the time to stop by! You are a blessing!
      Always,
      Bev

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