Dear Fellow Traveler,
Today I woke up and wanted to tell you that you’re not alone on the journey of life. So many times I have felt alone. Even after years of timely reminders, I often still wonder if there is anyone out there who understands the challenges of raising a child with special needs. I know I’m not the only one who struggles to feel with my heart what I know to be true with my head.
Grief, confusion, spiritual doubt, and isolation—the feeling of being completely, desperately alone—hang over many of us as we face the harsh realities of life. Divorce, betrayals, terminal diagnoses, beloved parents who are slowly being taken away by Alzheimer’s—all these and more can wrap around us, making us feel closed in and sinking, without anyone nearby with an outstretched, helping hand.
You may feel alone, but you aren’t. You are not alone in your questions, in your struggles, in the circumstances that appear hopeless. I want you to know someone is thinking about you. I want you to know that you are not alone.
Biblical truth repeatedly reminds us of God’s abiding, unending, all-encompassing presence.
- When you feel lonely, turn to Psalm 139:5, 7–10:
You are all around me—in front and in back. . . .
Where can I go to get away from your Spirit?
Where can I run from you?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there.
If I lie down in the grave, you are there.
If I rise with the sun in the east
and settle in the west beyond the sea,
even there you would guide me. (NCV)
- When you are overcome with worry, turn to Isaiah 26:3–4:
The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,
Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the LORD forever,
For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.
- When you are shocked by circumstances you cannot change, turn to Job 23:10:
But He knows the way I take;
When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
- When you are betrayed or feeling trapped, turn to Psalm 91:1–2:
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!”
- When you are in sorrow and suffering, turn to Lamentations 3:22–27:
The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
- And my favorite . . . When you’ve had your heart broken, turn to Psalm 34:18:
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, of things we do not see at the present time. When loneliness sweeps your soul away, choose to believe and rest in what God promises you. And, please, let us help. If you ever feel all alone, please read and comment on the Special Needs blog. You can also connect with Insight for Living Ministries’ Biblical Counseling Department via www.insight.org/counseling or phone (972-473-5097). Let us remind you that, no matter where you are or how deep the darkness seems, you are not alone—the one, true Light is always with you.
In dearness to you,
Colleen