 No one understands... Being vulnerable is a sign of weakness... If people truly cared, they'd reach out... Others need me to be strong... We are created for community. After all, we have been created in the image of a loving God for the purpose of having communion with Him. With the enemy's primary objective to steal, kill, and destroy, is it any wonder that loneliness stirs in so many hearts? Loneliness and lies are whispered all too often in the hearts of God-fearing, Bible-believing, Spirit-filled followers of Jesus. Do you know when they're whispered most fervently? In the seasons preceeding a breakthrough. Just before we see His glory and splendor revealed in magnificent ways. In our living room hangs a beautiful, framed embroidery that my Aunt gave us for our wedding. It is one of my favorite verses: "Two are stronger than one. For if the one falls, the other will lift him up again." Perhaps the largest threat in these lies of loneliness, is that when we begin to feel truly isolated, it can be difficult to navigate our way back to truth. If you've found yourself in a lonely season, and those lies are loud and clear, I hope I can offer some words of TRUTH that will speak HOPE to your heart! LIE: No one understands... TRUTH: No two people or situations are identical. God created each of us uniquely. But when we believe the lie that we have the corner on the market in our hardship, we must remember, God's Word says otherwise: "That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun." - Ecclesiastes 1:9 LIE: Being vulnerable is a sign of weakness... TRUTH: People need authenticity. Being revevered as superhuman may be flattering, but it's dangerous. It's dangerous because it leaves us, and others, feeling isolated. We are all in need of a Savior - and each other. The Bible says we are members of one body - we cannot accomplish that which God has planned if we attempt to do everything on our own. Biblical humility and vulnerability are key to living a life that reflects more of Him and less of us. "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." - James 5:16 "Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life." - Proverbs 22:4 LIE: If people truly cared, they would reach out... TRUTH: In an age driven by social networking, people know what we tell them. There will be times when people reach out - and those times are wonderful! But there will undoubtedly be more times when you (and I) will have to initiate communication - whether it's inviting someone to grab a cup of coffee, or asking for help through a challenging situation. Even Jesus asked 3 of His closest friends to stand with Him in prayer: "Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” - Matthew 26:36-39 Lie: Others need me to be strong... TRUTH: No. Others need the Jesus in us to be strong! Because friend, like it or not, we are not strong enough to pull anyone through anything. Thankfully we can point people to our Strong Tower, and know that He is more than able to sustain them! "From the ends of the earth I call to You, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe." - Psalm 61:2-3 Friend, I am praying for you tonight! If your heart is heavy, take it to Jesus. He truly is the Great Physician - not only of our bodies, but of our hearts. And if you are battling loneliness, consider how you can reach out to someone around you. You weren't created to journey alone - and you don't have to any longer! What lie are you waging war against right now? What verses bring you encouragement when you're feeling lonely? How have you seen God move when you've reached out? 
9 Comments
12/21/2016 11:00:07 am
Wow! This is INCREDIBLE! I have struggled with some of these lies myself. Thank you so much for exposing the lies and showing the truth! What an encouragement! <3 12/21/2016 11:36:03 am
I love when you said others need the Jesus in us to be strong. So true! I love how you spoke truth right to the lies we often tell ourselves! 12/21/2016 11:51:23 am
YES! We are to make much of HIS strength... not our own. I struggle to remember that trying to maintain the appearance of "being strong" can actually be a stumbling block to someone else depending on Jesus. Thank you so very much for this reminder! 12/21/2016 03:42:40 pm
Oh, this hit close to home... I'm guilty of believing many of these lies recently. :'( Thank you for the reminder of truth!! 9/7/2017 12:54:06 pm
This lie: if people truly cared, they would reach out... is what I struggle with. I sometimes hate people just sending a text message when they could just pick up the phone and call or visit. But I've come to accept it. I also wrote a post about loneliness recently, and 5 verses to read when we do feel it. The Bible is always comforting when these feelings appear. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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Hi there!Adventures in faith, family, adoption, homeschooling, and training up a tribe to follow hard after Jesus are spilled into these posts --- most often written with a cup of coffee in hand. I hope you'll stick around a while and find something that brings you hope! get your copy of my book today!how i keep up!
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