Overcome Loneliness and Self-Sufficiency

Sometimes it is so difficult to remember that the Lord is for us and that He sees us where we are. It is often easier to believe we are alone and to believe that we must figure things out on our own. The problem with embracing loneliness and self-sufficiency is that neither are truly the Lord’s will for us. Loneliness will occur, but it is not to become a state of being. Self-sufficiency is, in and of itself, not completely wrong but can easily become a snare when it becomes the replacement for trusting in and leaning on the Lord.   

There can be an erosion of trust that develops as we rely solely upon ourselves. When we cuddle up with loneliness and self-sufficiency, suddenly we do not really need others—including God. We become dependent upon ourselves, comforted by our own wayward emotions. But…this is not God’s plan. Instead, in our trouble we are NOT to embrace our loneliness and self-sufficiency; we are to turn to Him completely, and He will be our comfort and strength: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”  Psalm 121:1,2

We call to Him, and our dependence is on Him: “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”  Psalm 61:2  He will hear us and bring us the help that we need: “When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place.”  Psalm 118:5  And as we become dependent on His comfort and direction, trust is established: “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.”  Isaiah 26:4   And the reward for trust?  … “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”  Isaiah 26:3

Today, if you are overcome with loneliness and/or self-sufficiency, let go. Go to the Rock that is higher than you, cry to the Lord, trust in Him, and let Him fill your heart with His peace.

–Katie Botello