Have you ever had a friend say to you during a difficult time, “I’m with you,” or “I’m on your side” or “I’m here to help in any way I can”? How comforting it is to know that someone is walking with us during difficult times we encounter.
To actually walk with someone requires time and intentionality; it’s more than simply saying so. Walking alongside another entails being physically present and being available to listen. Sometimes we think we must do or say something, but quite often, our presence is simply what is most needed. Not platitudes, not preaching, not Bible verses. Just being there.
Imagine now, the pain of not having someone to call upon during difficult times. Imagine not having deep friendships and close community. Yet this is the reality of lonely people in our society.
It’s not easy to know on the surface who is lonely when we run into folks at the grocery store, at church, work, school, or the neighborhood, but the truth is people all around us are feeling isolated and alone. At least one third to one half of us, according to some reports. Loneliness in our culture is something that concerns and affects all of us, even if we ourselves have a close community.
If we are feeling alone, we can find encouragement that we have a high priest in heaven who knows us, sees us, hears us, and intercedes on our behalf. There is nothing in this world that can separate us from that love. It isn’t merely Christ saying He loves us—He’s also actually sticking up for us. He’s speaking out for us on our behalf. We aren’t alone. We aren’t forgotten.
Yes, we need to address loneliness in our society. And maybe what we can do is be the kind of person that shows up, speaks up, and sticks up for someone else; someone who is alone, someone who is hurting, someone who is lonely, just as Christ is doing by speaking up and sticking up for us, interceding for us straight to God’s ears.
For reflection:
- How have you felt Christ’s presence interceding for you?
- Spend time in prayer asking God to lead you to someone who is feeling alone, and then reach out to that person with a phone call or visit.
by Prasanta Anumolu
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