The Case For The Lonely

God has a word to those who are lonely. Yes, even to those who may be surrounded by loving friends and family but may feel alone. Godly men and women who have walked with Him for many years can experience times of loneliness like David who cried, "Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted" (Psalms 25:16 NIV).

The definition of loneliness is not only an absence of meaningful relationships but a sense of being disconnected. No matter how hard you may try to sustain a friendship (or marriage) it seems to go wrong. Perhaps your history of relationships tend to sour quickly or some unexpected change fractures the relationship. Something hurtful was said or an offense committed which only deepens the isolation and disconnectedness.

If someone should hold your hand or gather you into their arms you find little comfort from their touch. There are things in your heart that are too painful for words. So you pull away though your heart is hungry for a touch and kind words. These walled up places in the heart are known only by God. And He knows how to soothe away the discomfort and ease the pain.

And that is why the Holy Spirit is called the Comforter (John 14:26). The Greek word used in this verse for comforter is a legal advocate. A legal advocate is one who assists, defends, or pleads for another; one who renders legal advice and aid and pleads the cause of another before a court (Black's Law Dictionary Free Online Legal Dictionary 2nd Ed).

We have no greater advocate than Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1).

So that His people are never alone or lacking comfort Jesus presents the case for the lonely to His Father who is also the Judge. "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever" (John 14:16 KJV).

Jesus knew firsthand what it was to be without a place to rest his head (Luke 9:58) so He charges the Comforter to place the lonely in homes (Psalms 68:6). He gives such abundance of comfort we can in turn comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4). And we have this promise we will never be forsaken (Deuteronomy 31:8). The Lord has ruled in favor of the lonely to know the depths of His comforting presence.

His word to the lonely and the alone?

I'm with You to fill your heart with comfort in those places once indefensible against the onslaught of loneliness that has driven you into a barren waste land. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19) So shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. (Isaiah 49:13, NIV)