Jentezen Franklin (May-13-2024) Daily Devotional: Dealing with loneliness (2).
“Everyone abandoned me.” 2 Tim 4:16 NLT
What’s the proper way to deal with loneliness? (1) Learn to be alone without feeling lonely. Jesus often left the crowd to be alone with His Father in prayer. Why? Because He knew that solitude is essential to spiritual growth. And He came back from those times personally enriched and better equipped to deal with the challenges of life. The Bible says, “Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day” (Ge 32:24 NKJV). Out of that time alone with God came a man with a new name, a new nature, a new walk, and a new future. Plus, when people realize that you can enjoy your favorite dish or movie or other activity alone, they are attracted by your strength, independence, and confidence. (2) Reject the idea that you cannot live without a certain person in your life. God is the only person you must have, and He has promised to always stay with you (See Heb 13:5). Many times, we fall into depression after the death of a loved one because we haven’t cultivated an outside life. But it’s never too late to get started. And God will help you. Paul wrote: “The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear” (2Ti 4:16-17 NLT). God will help you to grieve your loss, leave your loss, and go on to what He has for you next.
