Loneliness

Loneliness reminds me
that the party in this life will not last,
that when I go, it will likely be alone,
that changes are constant and one thing remains:
My Lord is always by my side.

Loneliness reminds me
that laughter and tears are all a part of life,
that solace is found in a constant Friend,
that busyness is not always best.

Loneliness is a friend because
it teaches me to go to the One
who knows me best,
loves me most,
counts the number of hairs on my head.

Loneliness is not chosen,
but sometimes given
to tutor and train me
and prepare me for the Day
when all this world will be swept away.

Being alone is not lonely,
Feeling alone is.
Because of our Savior’s pledge to
never leave or forsake us,
we are never truly alone.

So remember the gift
of constant companionship He offers
to all who would have Him.
And embrace your loneliness
in His arms.

Let Him hold you and love you
as only He can do.
Let Him whisper sweet somethings
into the very heart of you.

His words are a treasure and
His promises a firm foundation
to build your life upon.
So when the winds and the rains come
when the storms are in full force
you will be fortified and ready
to face them.

With the Lord at your side,
with His words in your heart,
you can be strong and
 face the giants in the land.

So loneliness is a friend
calling you and calling me
to come and meet the One
who can fill our soul’s emptiness
with His fullness.

Come now, forlorn soul,
and enjoy fellowship
with your faithful Friend.

He Holds It All Together

Col.1:17 “And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

Do you ever feel like you can’t hold it together?  Like the wheels are spinning out of control?  If not you personally, maybe those you love or the church you belong to?  I’ve been there and am often aware of frailty and weakness inside and out.  How on earth are we going to do this thing?  How can we make it happen?  

The good news is we don’t and we can’t!  This verse came to mind as I reflected on the last ten years which contain the sum total of our church’s history so far.  God has not only held it together, He has built it.  We certainly played our part, with His empowering grace. But, just like our faith, it’s a gift from God.  Not from ourselves, so that there’s no room for boasting.

It is good news, very comforting and encouraging to really think this one over:  IN HIM all things hold together.  Coming apart at the seams seemingly?  Run and hide in the One who keeps it all together for us!