Alone

I started writing this a long time ago. Like several years ago. I don't know that I ever posted or shared it. I guess even if I did, if it is relevant for me again, it might be for someone else too. There have been days lately where I have struggled with feeling alone. I know I'm not and yet... the battle in my mind is real. With those thoughts running around in my head, I went back to the thoughts below. I needed to remind myself of them.

Lonely vs Alone… I know we have all heard this before, but I think that in this time we are living in, it is a good reminder for us all to stop and think about. I believe there is a difference between being lonely and alone. Hopefully I can explain my thoughts...

Looking at verses in the Bible I found it interesting that verses which used the word, “lonely” in some translations, the Complete Jewish Bible used the word, “alone.” When I look at these verses, I think (and this is just where my heart is at, I have no translation proof) we need to see a difference between lonely and alone.

Psalm 25:16

Turn to me, and show me your favor;

for I am alone and oppressed. (CJB) 

Turn to me and be gracious to me,

    for I am lonely and afflicted. (NIV)

Psalm 68:6

God sets the lonely in families… (NIV)

God gives homes to those who are alone… (CJB)

Psalm 102:7

I lie awake;

    I am like a lonely sparrow on the housetop. (ESV)

 I lie awake and become

like a bird alone on the roof. (CJB)

In my opinion, I can be alone and not lonely. I can be in a group of people and be lonely. Why is this important for us to recognize? It is a matter of mindset. What are we going to overcome as we battle with our minds? Our emotions? Our feelings? 

If we believe, which I would say most of us do, that we are not alone because He is always with us, then we must battle the feelings of loneliness. We acknowledge them, we don’t live in them. We fight the battle of the thoughts in our minds that He left us alone. 

GOD didn’t leave us alone. He left the Holy Spirit to comfort us. We have to recognize, acknowledge and CLAIM that for ourselves. When we begin to struggle and feel like there is no one who understands - remember that HE left Someone to be with you. Find a way to overcome that battle in your mind and as I learning, learn that it is okay to be alone.

Jesus often went to be alone. He left the crowds and spent time with His Father. We can do the same. We can use the alone time to strengthen ourselves in Him.

I'm not saying we should be alone all the time. We do need people around us to encourage one another and be there for one another. I am saying, there are seasons to be "alone" and that is okay.

Trust me - it isn't always easy. I'm not saying I have this down perfectly at all. Absolutely not... And yet, the days that I do stand strong in myself and don't allow the feelings of being lonely creep in, I feel better. I am productive and get things done.

I pray this encourages you today. Hopefully you can use these thoughts to fight the battle of loneliness and bloom where you are planted...

Love and blessings,

Rose