Recently I read a "relatable tweet" that said this: It's sad that in our culture we feel like people don't care about us unless they're talking to us 24/7. My initial reaction was to think, "yeah, that is really pitiful. Who would think that?" but then I got to thinking about it a little bit more and realized that I feel like that, too. A lot more than I would like to admit.
Why is this? Why is it that we feel like people don't care about us unless they're attached to us constantly? Why do we feel alone unless somebody is asking us to hang out every night? Or to get lunch every day? Or if our phone isn't buzzing at least once very hour?
Why is it that I know I have people in abundance that would do anything for me at any time, but so often I find myself feeling so alone?
This is an easy feeling to have, particularly in college. You're surrounded by people all the time, more often than not people that your mind tells you are infinitely more well-liked and successful than you are. You're surrounded by people who you feel like are your friends all the time; but, sometimes these people turn out to not be your friends after all. It's so easy to in those moments — the moments where your friends are the ones to break your heart and you're lonely on a Friday night — to feel like nobody cares, no matter how outrageous it may seem later when everybody feels better.
C.S. Lewis is quoted as saying that we all have a "God-shaped" hole in our lives. I think it is that hole which we try to fill with friends, things, relationships, accomplishments, and distractions. So, when we lose those things or those things begin to fail us, that hole opens right back up as big as it ever was before.
We feel lonely. We feel isolated. We feel abandoned. For when you feel lonely — for those dark moments, I want you to remember this:
You are specially chosen by God. He loves you and wants nothing but the best for you in any circumstance, no matter what. He doesn't want the best for you because He gains from it. He wants what's best for you because you are His. He chose you and He wants you.
"But we ought always to thank God...because God chose you as first fruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth." (2 Thessalonians 2:13)
When you do feel lonely and the world hurts you (and it will) He will still never leave your side.
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
There isn't one single moment in the day when you can't talk to God and He won't listen to you. He's never too busy and He never has anything "better" to do. He is here for you and only you, whenever you need him.
"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us." (1 John 5:14)
It's true: People are going to disappoint us. People will hurt us and make us feel unwanted and lonely. When you are lonely, remember that you are never, ever truly alone. You are not alone because the Creator of the whole entire Universe (including you) is there for you helping you along and being the best "friend" you could ever hope to have.
Don't ever feel "worthless" in your lonely moments, either. Please, don't feel like you don't matter or that you don't have anything to contribute. It's an easy feeling to have, but hear me out. Has there ever been a moment you haven't survived? Has there ever been a dark time you haven't made it through? A friend once told me, "The day moves on with or without you." You can either face the day trusting God's plan for you and trusting that you are never truly alone, or you can let it consume you.
There's so much life to live, though. So much to see, so many more challenges to face and conquer with full faith that you'll make it through.
"As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed." (Daniel 9:23)
For when you feel alone: Remember you are never alone.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
