I've talked to several people in the last week, who are all sharing similar stories. They feel lonely, sad, frustrated, despaired. And we've all felt that way, haven't we?
What is our first response when we feel anything less than happy? Mostly, we pray that God will take away those feelings. Bring us a friend. Make us feel good. Make us feel happy.
But I was reminded today that sometimes those feelings are very good things. Sometimes when we feel lonely, and can't find anyone to talk to, we are left with no other choice but to talk to God.
Kind of sad, right?
Sad that he is our last resort. He should be the first one we turn to. But we live in such an instant gratification society. Calling a friend - instant gratification. Oh, here's one for you: Ranting on Facebook - instant gratification!
God is not like that, and yet he is, at the same time. He's not like that, in that sometimes he doesn't meet our need immediately. Sometimes we have to wait to feel better. Yet, he is like that in that he is instantly near, instantly with us, instantly listening.
Can I give you this advice? The next time you feel alone, let yourself feel it. Feel lonely. Feel sad. Don't shove that feeling aside, or use shopping, food, sex, or anything else to make yourself feel better.
That's right. Don't feel better.
Because that loneliness might be what God is using to pull you closer to him. That moment of despair might be just the moment he has been patiently waiting for. God uses all things, you see? And he uses every opportunity to show you his extravagant love for you.
Before we pray for our circumstances or our feelings to change, let's pray that God uses those times to draw us closer.
No comments:
Post a Comment