"God settles the solitary in a home." Psalm 68:6
I've mentioned before that I enjoy reading books written by Elisabeth Elliot. She's a superb storyteller, and often uses anecdotes to get her point across. In The Path of Loneliness ( a book I've mentioned before, and which I'm re-reading again because it's just that good), Elliot recounts a time when she received a letter from a college classmate whose husband had just walked out on her. The woman wrote of the loneliness of coming home to an empty apartment with no one to greet her. And how although she had friends and family who cared about her, she was truly alone for the first time in her life.
One night Elisabeth's friend, while reading Psalms, saw a verse that changed everything for her. It was today's scripture in the NASB version: "God makes a home for the lonely." She went on to write about how the Lord was the only one who could be with her all the time, the only one who truly understood her and could be there when she needed them. As time progressed, she created a welcoming home where she centered her life around Christ and hospitality to others.
I share in her experience. Although I am single and live by myself, I am not alone. God is always here. Always available. Always my Friend and Helper. He knows me better than I know myself, and He meets me where I am. If there's anything good than can come out of losing a spouse, whether through death or divorce (and I've experienced both), it's coming to know my Lord and Savior the way I do now. He has provided this home for me, where He and I live together. It's a beautiful life. And what's even more wonderful is that this is only the beginning. A time is coming when I will enter my Father's house and dwell with Him forever.
Today's music video Never Alone by Jason Upton is a gentle song of hope. and a reminder that we are never alone when we have God.
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
Well, I had a good cry when I listened to that song. Beautiful.....and the words were there to remind me though I live alone, I am never alone...I have a friend always, even when I think my earthly friends have forgotten about me. Hugs to you Nancy!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful, Nancy. This is a wonderful verse to reflect on, and as someone who is also single, it's such a comfort to know that we are never alone. And we are always understood and loved! Thank you for this!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteso very timely .. i love how the Lord speaks to you and through you into the lives of others. indeed we are not alone no matter the situation. praise!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful testimony of God's presence and care. Although I am not single, I have many friends who are. Thank you for giving encouragement.
ReplyDeleteI remember Emilie Barnes sharing a story, in one of her books, about a friend who lived alone and was discouraged about coming home to no one to greet her etc. This friend prayed then decided to use timers for lamps, and a radio so that when she got home, there were lights on and sounds. I don't remember what else she did, but that part has stayed with me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that verse too, I've seen it in a new way today. Not that God will take lonely people and put them into homes with people (though he does do this), but that HE himself will make a home with us and is with us! We are never alone!
Deanna Rabe