Loneliness - SE StudentsSample

King David

When you think of King David, you probably think of the story of David and Goliath. But David went on to have a huge role in the Old Testament. He wrote a majority of the Psalms, was a controversial, but great king, and he experienced deep and soul-crushing loneliness. 

After David defeated Goliath and before he became king, there was a chapter of David’s life where he was on the run and in hiding from King Saul, who wanted him dead. God had promised David that he would be king, but that reality was looking more impossible by the second. David took refuge from Saul in the caves of a place called En Gedi, which was an oasis in the middle of the desert. He had no plans, no guidance, and his calling and purpose seemed to be lost. He cried out to God in anguish, so frustrated and angry. 

The interesting thing about loneliness is that sometimes it manifests itself in other emotions, like sadness, fear, anger, resentment, and jealousy. David was afraid for his life, confused about his purpose, angry with God, and unclear what would happen next. But even in David’s deepest loneliness, God never abandoned him and God’s plan for David never changed. 

In the midst of loneliness, it is so hard to remember that God has not abandoned you and He has a purpose specifically for you. Cry out to God. He is listening, He wants to be close to you, and He wants to walk with you on the path away from loneliness.