The Wilderness of Loneliness
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“Turn to me and have mercy on me, because I am lonely and hurting.” Psalm 25:16 (NCV)
Psychologist M. Scott Peck writes, "Once we truly know that life is difficult—once we truly understand and accept it—then life is no longer difficult." Have you accepted that reality? It does take some of the pressure off from thinking that somehow our life is the exception to the rule. Everyone around us seems to be doing great. What’s wrong with me?
The truth is life is difficult. We are in a wilderness. This isn’t heaven. We live in a fallen and sinful world. Scripture is replete with stories of great men and women of God who faced unimaginable circumstances and yet became overcomers through their faith and trust in God. That’s why the Bible is the best Wilderness Survival Guidebook you and I can turn to. It teaches us how our faith can thrive in the wilderness. When we think of those giants of faith like David, Moses, Abraham, or Paul it’s easy to think they didn’t struggle with the same issues in life we struggle with. But they did! One of the big issues David struggled with that you and I can relate to is loneliness. You’ve heard the expression: It’s lonely at the top! David was a King and yet he felt lonely. His popularity was off the charts, yet he prayed, “Turn to me and have mercy on me, because I am lonely and hurting.” Psalm 25:16 (NCV)
In the 22 verses of Psalm 25, David helps us process our pain in loneliness. If you’re in the wilderness of loneliness today, spend some time reading and meditating on how David processed his pain and found comfort and hope for his faith to thrive. It provides a model for praying when you feel lonely.
He begins his prayer with a personal commitment to God. In verse 1 and 2, He prays, “LORD, I give myself to You; my God, I trust You. …” The only way to effectively cure the ills of loneliness is to commit your life to God. Put your trust in Jesus Christ and turn from your sin. When David gave his life to God, he acknowledged his own sinfulness. In verse 11 he said, “For the sake of Your name, LORD, forgive my many sins.” In verse 7 he said, “Do not remember the sins and wrong things I did when I was young. But remember to love me always because You are good, LORD.” When we confess our sins and give our lives to God, we may still be alone at times, but we’ll never have to be victims of the pain of loneliness. He promises never to leave you or forsake you!
After you commit your life to God, ask Him to show you His ways. Becoming a Christ follower is a decision followed by a process. Many people today have the false notion that they can give their lives to God and yet remain unchanged, living any way they feel like. David knew if he were ever to experience the presence of God, he needed to learn the ways of God. In verses 4, 8, 9, 10, and 12 the word “way” or “ways” is used in David’s prayer.
“LORD, tell me your ways. Show me how to live.” (Vs. 4)
“The LORD is good and right; He points sinners to the right way.” (Vs. 8)
“He shows those who are humble how to do right, and He teaches them His ways.” (Vs. 9)
“All the LORD’S ways are loving are true for those who follow the demands of His agreement.” (Vs. 10)
“Are there those who respect the LORD? He will point them to the best way.” (Vs. 12)
For those who commit their lives to God and learn His ways, Psalm 25:13 says, “They will enjoy a good life, and their children will inherit the land.” Even in the wilderness of loneliness we can experience the presence of God, discover the power of God and fulfill the purpose of God. As you meditate on Psalm 25, ask God to apply this Psalm in your life today.