Good morning Friend,
These couple of days I am listening to the radio when I am going to the supermarket at night and I enjoy hearing the preaching at that time because they have really good stuff. They have been talking about suffering and loneliness. And for as long as we are humans we have to face emotions. It is easy to deal with joy and happiness but when it comes to suffering and loneliness we are silent and do not know either how to comfort someone or how to seek help.
Looking at this picture, we all will agree that there is some true to what it says and many times it feels like that. But what it is really saying is it is better to remain isolated. We are Christians and we should not be isolated. When a person is attacked on the street it is because they were alone, if they were in a group of twenty robbery would not happen as the bad guys are outnumbered. True or not?
Ok, so does the evil one wants to isolate us from other believers and from prayer.
So what do we do?
Step one, make inventory of who your friends are. You should have:
a friend who speaks the truth in love to you and is honest
a friend who keeps you accountable but is not judgmental
a friend who makes you laugh with the gift of Joy
a friend who knows how to love on you but challenges you
a friend who is a good listener
a friend who stretches you and makes you think further so that you can grow
a friend who has the gift of faith and wisdom
a friend who prays for you
Step 2 because they are your friends and you know them well, go to the people who have suffered and overcame the effects of bitterness, anger, low self esteem. Pick the friends who have their household in order and these are people who you trust and are worthy of your trust.
Because grief and suffering are not easy to overcome but if we have support we can make this process without feeling alone and lonely. And remember God will use even our suffering and grief to witness to others. All for His glory.
Step 3 call for help and be honest, open your heart and allow others to love on you. Be straight forward, if you need someone to listen say so. When you want advice say so. When you need prayer say so. When you hear people attacking you because they want you to "get over it" quick, don't listen to them and avoid them. This is a process and only God knows decides how long it will take. This is the time when our faith is tested. Sometimes we fail and sometimes we conquer. Seek to be surrounded by people who are matured Christians with gifts to help you. And when we feel better, be one who is there for others and help them go through the process.
At all times, let us give God the glory and thank Him for His mercy and Love.
Isaiah 41:10
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.
