God With Us In Loneliness

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

At Christmas, we especially think of the name Immanuel, God With Us. Today let’s focus on God being with us in our times of loneliness.Loneliness has become an epidemic in our world, especially for young adults. It has been reported that loneliness has the same effect on your body as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day. Loneliness is that feeling of isolation even if you are surrounded by people. Christians are certainly not exempt from loneliness.Many of God’s choice men and women have battled loneliness, that sense of feeling alone during life’s circumstances. God reminded Joshua and His people that He is with them and with us every step of the way. God will never abandon you or leave you alone.Wherever you go, God will be there with you to cheer you on, to express His love, and to demonstrate His faithfulness. The Lord is there for you to call upon anytime and He even gets other people’s attention to pray for you just when you need it. The name “Immanuel” reminds us that no matter what and no matter when, God is with you, and where He is, there is joy.There is a line in the hymn, “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go,” that says, “O joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to thee, I trace the rainbow through the rain, and feel the promise is not vain, that morn shall tearless be.”Immanuel can help you trace the rainbow through the rain. (From the 31-Day Devotional, The Immanuel Factor)