In Our Loneliness

   “Look upon me, have pity on me, for I am alone and afflicted.” (Psalm 25: 16)

   It’s hard not feel alone right now.  The coronavirus has totally changed our lives.  The friends we are used to being with are, like us, isolated.  Even our families are distant at a time when their company is most needed.

   Most alone of all are those in senior care or hospitals and their families.  Visitation is prohibited and those suffering are without their loved ones.  Families worry and endure emotional pain because they can’t visit those they love and comfort them.

   In these times it’s more important than ever to realize that we are never truly alone.  You are with us, to give us comfort and peace.  You answer when we turn to You in prayer.  It’s easy to feel alone and despair; it takes faith and love to turn to You and know Your presence in our lives.  If there is a benefit to be gained from the current crisis it is that maybe, just maybe, we’ll come to rely on You and trust You more completely.

   Things will change, things will return to a normal of some kind and our aloneness will lessen.  Friends and families will again be able to gather and enjoy their companionship.  Churches will resume proper worship, businesses will reopen, and life will go on.  My hope is that this period of suffering will help us see that You are always with us in love and mercy.

   Until then we can only turn to You, trusting all to You, and seeking Your comfort and peace.

Lord, help us in our aloneness.

Let us feel Your presence.

Fill our hearts with Your comfort.

Let us rest in the peace only You can give.

Amen