THE PRESENCE OF GOD IS SUFFICIENT TO NEGATE EVEN THE MOST EXTREME CASE OF LONELINESS
I. THE PAIN OF LONELINESS -- OF DESERTION AND ISOLATION
EXTREME EXAMPLES
A. The Example of Christ -- John 16:31
not just deserted by a bunch of casual acquaintenances; these were his hand-picked disciples in whom He had invested an entire ministry of training (cf. The Training of the Twelve)
not just disciples, but friends John 15:13-15
B. Example of Apostle Paul -- 2 Tim. 4:16-18
In his first trial, no one had taken Paul's side.
especially imp. in light of the necessity for corroborating testimony;
what type of sacrifice and risk had Paul taken for others?
This was during his first Roman imprisonment or a prelim hearing;
Cf. the difference to now:
Demas had deserted him (4:10) and "all those in Asia"
had turned away from him (2 Tim. 1:15). But Onesiphorus had come from Asia and Luke remained faithful
Importance of forgiving those who let you down: "may it not be counted against them" -- Paul felt abandoned, but not vengeful
Insufficiency of human aid
C. Example of Job -- Chap. 16-17
recognizes the sovereignty of God behind the desertion he has
experienced (both comforting and painful)
D. Example of Hagar -- Genesis 16
Sarah despised her and treated her harshly
E. Example of Elijah -- 1 Kings 19
The Fear associated with Loneliness
F. Example of Joseph in prison -- Genesis 39:21 no complaint
II. THE REALITY OF GOD'S PRESENCE -- WHAT SHOULD IT MEAN TO ME?
A. What did it mean to Christ? "Yet I am not alone"
relat. He enjoyed as a Son to a perfect Father
there are times children need their father present a time to draw even closer to God
B. What did it mean to Paul? the Lord stood with me and strengthened me Phil. 4:13
purpose for this strengthening was not just to enjoy the good life, but to be empowered for continued ministry -- don't let loneliness divert us from the ministry God has called us to
C. What did it mean to Job? 42:5-6
importance of the fear of God
need for repentance of any bitterness and complaint
D. What did it mean to Hagar? "Thou art a God who sees"
E. What did it mean to Elijah? experienced the presence of God
F. What did it mean to Joseph? no deviation from faithfulness
CONCLUSION:
The example of Christ on the Cross: the extreme pain and suffering when His Father turned His back on Him. We will never have to experience that type of loneliness and pain
SONGS:
Lonely Voices Crying in the City
Blest be the Tie that binds
