“Mommy, do you ever get lonely?”
At that moment I could answer her no because with homeschool, cooking meals, trying to get laundry done when the electricity is working (which, praise the Lord, has been more often lately)…I don’t have time to get lonely.
She was asking because they all have friends here that they play with daily, and we also frequently see the two pastors’ wives sitting on their porch with visitors.
I have gone and sat with one when she is out sometimes, but there is awkwardness because of the language barrier.
But I am assured that this is what the Lord has been preparing me for years. All my life He has slowly been molding and shaping me for what He has called us to now.
As a child, we moved often. Then as an adult we moved to Ukraine, several years later to a state in the US where we had no family or acquaintances. There were many moments of loneliness.
Now as I am faced with greater loneliness and a higher wall between us, I could sink into depression and self pity. The temptation is there. But through each of those steps, the Lord has been teaching and preparing me for this ministry He has called us to.
First, He has taught me to stay busy. There is no time for self pity if we have purpose. What does God have for us to do? Just do it! Loneliness has a harder time creeping in when our minds and hands are busy and filled with purpose.
Secondly, just keep being friendly. The Bible says, ““A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24) It can hurt sometimes when you come up against that wall. It can even feel like you’re trying to break the cement between the bricks with a toothpick. But once you get a little crack in that wall, it’s easier to knock it down!
Thirdly, look for someone who may need a friend - a widow, a new mom, someone new at church… I have found helping someone else always benefits me!
Lastly, the verse that has comforted me often over the years, whenever I felt like I had no man who cared for my soul, is…
“…but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6
Our encouragement does not come from others. I remember a time in my life where I was very depressed. I felt alone and thought, “If only someone would message me!”
Someone did, but the encouragement from that email was fleeting. Soon my discouragement returned and I fell on my face in the bathroom crying before the Lord. He brought that verse to my mind. After I drew near to my Savior, ONLY then was my heart encouraged!
No friend can encourage your heart like Jesus! If you are lonely today, bring it to the Lord and encourage yourself in the Lord.
(Little visiting doll.🥰😍)
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