“Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.”
– Psalm 25:16-17
King David knew seasons of loneliness, distress, suffering, persecution, depression, and despair. You may know such seasons in your life as well. This can be particularly as the holidays draw near. Thankfully, David also knew that God was with him and he teaches that to us through the psalms. In David’s loneliness, he knew that he was never abandoned or forsaken by God. The psalms express the raw cries of his heart but always conclude in faithful confidence in God’s power, presence, and goodness. In his distress, David didn’t turn from God or against God. He turned to God, pleading for and anticipating the day that God’s light would break through the darkness in David’s heart and soul.
If and when your heart and mind begin to be overwhelmed by a sense of loneliness, affliction, distress, or despair take those things to God. Be constant and honest in sharing everything that troubles your heart through prayer. Even if you don’t feel God’s presence, trust His Word that He’s present and listening. Seek to draw nearer to Jesus during seasons of spiritual dryness. Once you break-through you’ll find your fellowship with Him all the sweeter. You’ll probably also realize that He was with you every step of the way.
Give thanks that God is a loving Father Who is present and listening at all times. Give thanks that Jesus is Your Savior Who understands both temptation, suffering, and loneliness. Give thanks that if Christ is your Lord, then the Holy Spirit lives within you and seals you as God’s precious child.