“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin” - Hebrews 4:15

Loneliness is one of most bitter parts of chronic illness. For some, it's the most gut-wrenching thing about life in general.

It gives me great comfort to see, plain as day, that Jesus understands.

Jesus knows what it's like to be rejected and ridiculed by family.

And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” - Matthew 13:57

Jesus has felt the sting of friends' desertion.

On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ - Matthew 26:31

Jesus wasn't the life of the party. He wasn't pleasing to look upon and had nothing about His person that would draw people to Him.

There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance,
nothing to attract us to him.
He was despised and rejected—
a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care. - Isaiah 53:2b-3

The very last conversation that Jesus had with His disciples, this was what was on His mind:

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:20b

The Holy Spirit made sure this promise reached across the centuries to us. Because when Jesus said it, He wasn't just mentioning it in passing, with a wink and a shrug.

No, Jesus was looking directly into eyes of loneliness. He was grasping shoulders, squeezing for emphasis. Can you feel Him doing the same for you?

Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Journal today about how loneliness affects you, mentally. How does it sap your strength, spiritually? How does it mar your health, physically?

Find and copy scriptures about each thing you write in your journal. Fear is always less when we're not alone. Worry is more manageable. 

Jesus, You really get it, don't You? That brings me more comfort than anything else I can think of, and I thank You for leaving us with Your insights and Your promises. Be with all today who are lonely. Let them feel Your presence. In Your Name I pray, Amen...

Save

The post Seek First Project: What God Knows About Loneliness (Day 92) appeared first on Renewed Daily.written by Shelly Hendricks