Thursday, February 21, 2013 --living Lonely Or Living In Love (2)

As we look at loneliness (beginning yesterday) these days, we do so in order to find a way to live. Psalm 25 has many encouraging words that help us understand our loneliness and see a way forward to a life that is satisfying. (More on that tomorrow)

Effects of Loneliness

1.Loneliness can lead to immoral relationships. Sharing life with friends is a natural yearning of the human heart. When we are lonely and disconnected we often seek sexual intimacy and use live-in relationships that are less than a life-time marriage commitment to fill the gap. But all the physical contact in the world cannot fill any empty, lonely heart. We long for relationship in commitment. Our hearts yearn for understanding and to care for the needs of another. Nothing else will satisfy.

The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. (Psalm 25:8-10 NLT)

2.Loneliness can impact our finances. Often when we are lonely, we think that purchasing certain items will give us an emotional lift. We buy things we don’t need. We spend money we don’t have. The brief pleasure of the items purchased fades into an even deeper level of meaningless emptiness. Tools and toys were not designed to meet the needs of our hearts.

They will live in prosperity, and their children will inherit the land. The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies. (Psalm 25:13-15 NLT)

3.Loneliness can damage our self-esteem. We doubt our worth to God and others. We feel so alone and hopeless. Loneliness distorts our self-esteem and puts us into false bondage. Lonely people want to reach out to others but feel they cannot. God has created us to be courageously caring. God gives us what we need, every day, to reach out to befriend in order to experience friendship.

O Lord, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others. (Psalm 25:1-3 NLT)

4.Loneliness can produce physical problems and even lead to suicide. Our bodies and emotions are intertwined. Excessive sieges of loneliness can create physical problems. Worse, the despair can be so great that suicide becomes an option. God promises to never leave us nor forsake us. God provides new care every day and invites us to look around for what He is giving until we notice it. With His own presence, and in relationships with others that God is providing every day, we can come to experience the depth of satisfaction in relationship that restores our souls.

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord.
(Psalm 25:4-7 NLT)

God, I come to you because I feel lonely and I don't know what to do about it. Thank you for caring. I give myself to you today so your love can be sung in my heart. I want a new experience of Your love today that you promise is fresh and new. I come to you because I need rest and I long to have my soul restored. Touch my heart right now. Hold me close to Your heart. Help me to experience Your closeness and show me how to live in love today. I'm willing to learn. Show me a new way. Bring someone along to help me know what to do.

Find telephone numbers for people to help at:http://pihprayer.blogspot.ca/2013/02/247-prayer-support.html