God's Purpose for Loneliness Part 1

4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:1-4

The first purpose for the lonely seasons in our lives is when the Holy Spirit leads us into times of testing.

Listen, we all have to walk through times of trial and testing and it's through these trials that our faith is perfected. When you find yourself in this lonely place of trial, that is where you must walk by faith and not by your feelings. These are the times that you have to keep your mind set upon Jesus and lean upon Him as your beloved. 

   The Spirit of God will remind you of things that have come out of your heart during these lonely times, things that you have turned to instead of coming to Him.

Whether it's food, alcohol, pornography or even entertainment, none of these things can fill that lonely place. They only make you feel more lonely in the end. In those times that you are looking for something to fill the need of your heart, spend that time alone with Jesus.

He loves you and He wants to fill the need of your heart. He longs for you to turn to Him in your lonely valley and be satisfied.

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12





Photo by Josh Saldana on Unsplash

Loneliness

Turn to me and be gracious to me,
For I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
Bring me out of my distresses.
18 Look upon my affliction and my trouble,
And forgive all my sins.
19 Look upon my enemies, for they are many,
And they hate me with violent hatred.
20 Guard my soul and deliver me;
Do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You.
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
For I wait for You.
22 Redeem Israel, O God,
Out of all his troubles.

Psalm 25:16-22

There are going to be seasons in our lives when we walk through valleys of loneliness. Sometimes it involves loss. Loss of friendship, loss of family members and loved ones.... sometimes it involves change or difficult circumstances or financial problems.

Loneliness doesn't simply mean being alone. You can experience loneliness while in a crowd of people or even in the company of your spouse or those closest to you.

That is because there is a place in your heart that is only reserved for Jesus Christ, the King of kings, our faithful unchanging friend.

Consider this...., I believe there is a reason or purpose for these lonely moments and it brings comfort to me as I walk through them.

I have found in my own life, four particular reasons for lonely seasons that I'd like to share with you over the next few blog posts. I hope you will be encouraged in your faith and reflect upon these posts as you walk through your own valley seasons.



Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,”

Hebrews 13:5 NASB



For further study today, consider this video:










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