How many times have you heard ‘being lonely is not the same as being alone?’ ‘You can be alone in a crowd.’ Examples of being the newbie, the oldie, the single, the only family, the translator or the mono-lingual one on the team come to mind. But whether you’re all by yourself in reality or in your heart; it feels alone. It’s lonely.

After a few years working abroad, I came to see that some facet of loneliness came with the job. Locations are isolated. Relationships with our team and in the new culture take work and time. Your closest social network constantly changes. It wasn’t always something all-consuming or even sad – just a fact.

What does God have to say about us feeling alone?

In Isaiah we read, “Fear not, for I am with you… I will strengthen you…help you…uphold you...”

Are Moses’ words to Israel just for them? “It is the LORD who goes before you; he will be with you; he will not fail you…”

For times when the aloneness is weighty, He speaks in Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

When the computer seems to hold out comfort, David’s words turn our eyes upward. “Be still and know that I am God…exalted among the nations.” That same God that is held high above all the countries and cultures (wherever we’re living!) is telling us to be quiet and still and know Him. He wants to be known!

In Matthew, Jesus’ very name of Immanuel promises His presence; as do His words to His disciples after His resurrection. “I am with you always, to the close of the age.”

I want close friends and community as much as anyone, and I have been gifted with many in surprising ways. But there’ve also been the ‘lean’ years when even my hermit tendencies were stretched to the max. How often did I pray these eternal reminders instead of wishing for change? Open my eyes, God, to be aware of and thankful for Your presence.