I used to live in a historic fourplex apartment building during the time I was saving up to buy a home. One of my neighbors always stood out to me. Though we were both single, we couldn’t have been more different. I still had a grade-schooler at home; she had long since been retired. Our height, our build, our coloring—everything was as different as could be. And we couldn’t have cared less! We both enjoyed our conversations, which usually centered around gardening and family.
She was happy to have a first-floor unit and was not shy to say so. “My old feet just can’t handle the stairs,” she used to say in that sweet, warm voice of hers, especially when she watched me trudging my groceries up to the second floor.
What always stood out to me about her was that she was unfailingly kind and polite. She always seemed content. As a newer single mom juggling kids, a career, friends, and dating once again, contentment was a commodity much harder for me to find. So her joy really stood out to me.
Often, I would walk by her door on the way to the stairs only to hear her singing or talking out loud. I never heard any answers. I had no idea who she was talking to. Every now and again, I’d even hear her spontaneously laugh out loud. I was deeply curious about what this was all about but didn’t dare to ask.
Then one day, serendipitously, I got my answer. During one of our casual chats on gardening, we wandered into a discussion about our faith. I can’t say I was at all surprised to learn she was a believer; her joy and kindness clearly radiated from something special within. As we talked about our faith journeys, she began to share.
“I’ve been alone a long time now, but I never feel alone. The Lord is with me all day long. We talk together. We laugh! I don’t know why people feel so alone when Jesus is right there. He is the best companion and friend I’ve ever had.”
I was challenged. Her simple words, kindly shared, opened a window into a deeper connection with the Lord for me. It wasn’t the connection in and of itself that stood out. By this point, I felt a bond with Jesus that was tangible for me. No, what stood out was the constancy. The way she never felt alone because her best friend, Jesus Christ, was there with her day in and day out.
I never forgot that. As I worked on forging a new identity as a single person, I could lean into the fact that I was never alone. The more I was able to carry that connection to my Maker with me, the more assured I became in who I was. I began to feel deeply valued. That deeper sense of constancy with my Creator allowed me to move forward differently, as it still does to this day.
I would love to say it’s been an easy ride ever since then, but lying is a sin ;-) Life has sometimes felt like walking to school uphill through ten feet of snow—both ways! Yet knowing there’s someone to help me get those snow boots on and who is there to rest with me when I need a break has given me the encouragement and strength I’ve needed to trudge forward.
I can’t pretend to fully understand why God does what He does, or why things happen the way they do. The love that was snatched away, the hurt and heartache, the sickness and the fatigue. Yet one thing I know: Jesus is right in the middle of every experience, guiding me through to the other side. And I emerge with greater peace and joy. He sits with me in my loneliness, and then chases the loneliness away. He does the same with my anger, my hurt, my fear, and my pain. Great is his faithfulness!
There are a few scriptures I go to when I need reminding that I am never truly alone. One is Isaiah 54:5 which says, “for your Creator will be your ‘husband.’ The Lord Almighty is his name; he is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God of all the earth.”
Another is Psalm 68:5-6a: “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing.”
I’m deeply grateful for my friends and my family. I love my husband. Yet the truth is the only entity that will see me through each step of every day all the way into Eternity is Jehovah Shammah—the God who never leaves me. In Him, I find my joy and strength.
FOR FURTHER THOUGHT: While I have yet to master the deep sense of connection and peace that my neighbor exuded, I have grown tremendously from her example. Friend, if you’re feeling lonely or alone, if you’re in circumstances beyond your ability to handle, or even if you’re in a season of deep joy, never forget that Jehovah Shalom, the God of Peace, is with you.
Remember: “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness,” (Psalm 89:15-16).
I want to encourage all of us to consistently invite the Presence of God throughout the day. To turn to our Creator first instead of alcohol, food, manic activity or the next Netflix binge. You are never alone. You are always valued, always seen. You matter. And as we grow in that knowledge, we grow in our ability to remember that while happiness may be fleeting, joy is always present. Today, remember to reach out and take hold of it, remembering you are never alone.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your constant presence and unwavering love. In moments of loneliness or hardship, remind us that You are always with us, providing strength and comfort. Help us to feel Your peace and joy, knowing we are never alone. Guide us to lean on You in every season of life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
ABOUT BARB LOWNSBURY
Barb is a speaker, author, and entrepreneur. She has Bachelor’s Degrees in International History and in Education, and a Master’s Degree in Education. She has spoken at conferences and taught classes throughout the U.S. about faith, relationships, leadership and courage through trial. Her book, Using What’s Broken to Boldly Shine, is a powerful read of transformation through trial. Her blogging is focused on giving people encouragement and strength for their personal journey. Barb serves as the Executive Director for The Dented Fender Ministry and runs a successful real estate and development company. She currently resides in Dayton, Ohio with her husband and blended family of seven.
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