Loneliness is something that I have struggled with at different times of my life. Growing up in a small town brought comfort. The thought of seeing someone you know each time you go to the store, knowing every face you see at school, and always having family down the road was a blessing for me. But there were still times, even in all the comfort of home, that I found myself lonely.
I have moved 4 major times since the day I married more than 12 years ago. For a girl who never drove on the interstate but maybe once before I was married I had to make major adjustments each move. In the midst of all the adjustments God was and is always with me.
God has always provided me with precious friends. When we moved to Cochrane, Alberta we had never been there before, but we knew that is where the Lord wanted us to be. I was five months pregnant and far away from home. Soon a few ladies invited me to come to a prayer time. This was just what I needed at such a time. These ladies were much more mature in their faith and God began to teach me the importance of staying close to Him in prayer. What beautiful times I had learning from all the students, wives, and teachers that passed through our home during those years! And best of all, God was with me. "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Hebrews 3:13
Then we moved to Todd's home town and he began working at his home church. He knew everyone and I knew very few. Missing all my friends back in Canada, I remember sitting at our dining room table and weeping. Praying, "Lord, why did you move me again? I am so lonely, what should I do?" I was feeling pretty sorry for myself, when the Lord spoke straight to my heart, "Lisa, I am here with you." In John 15:4, Jesus says, "Abide in Me." I then drew near to my Father and He comforted me. We spent 3 years there and God gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. And best of all God was with me.
Almost 5 years ago, we followed the Lord as He led us to move here to Botswana. I had never been on the continent of Africa. For years I had dreamed of what it would be like. Arriving in the small airport, with heat blazing, I knew my dreams had now become a reality. I was not alone as Todd and our two small sons were by my side and our new missionary family greeted us. We soon moved to a village/town where we would study language. There was another missionary family there studying as well. They had three boys and a baby to be born not long after we arrived. We were fast friends. And most importantly God was walking me through each new adventure He had laid out before me.
Through all of these experiences the Lord has taught me that we can be surrounded by friends and yet still feel alone. In those times I have learned that there is no friendship more important than the one we have with Jesus. If we are not walking with Him each day, even if we have all the friends "Facebook" can hold we will be still lonely. We were all made to be in fellowship with Him and there is nothing or no one that can fill that void but the Lord Himself. I encourage you to get somewhere alone with Him today. Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden, is light." Matthew 11:28-30
