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February 23, 2021 7:00 pm
“It can be an affliction more harrowing than homelessness, hunger or disease,” wrote Maggie Fergusson in The Economist’s 1843 magazine. Her subject? Loneliness. Fergusson chronicled the increasing rates of loneliness, irrespective of one’s social or economic status, using heart-wrenching examples of what it feels like to be lonely.
The hurt of feeling alone is not new to our day. Indeed, the pain of isolation echoes off the pages of the ancient book of Ecclesiastes. Often attributed to King Solomon, the book captures the sorrow of those who seem to lack any meaningful relationships (4:7–8). The speaker lamented that it is possible to acquire significant wealth, and yet experience no value from it, because there is no one to share it with.
But the speaker also recognized the beauty of companionship, writing that friends help you accomplish more than you could achieve on your own (v. 9); companions help in times of need (v. 10); partners bring comfort (v. 11); and friends can provide protection in difficult situations (v. 12).
Loneliness is a significant struggle, because God created us to offer, and receive, the benefits of friendship and community. If you’re feeling alone, pray that God would help you form meaningful connections with others. In the meantime, find encouragement in the reality that the believer is never truly alone, because Christ’s Spirit is always with us (Matthew 28:20).
Hi there and welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread. Today's reading titled never alone was written by Lisa Sam. It can be an affliction more harrowing than homelessness, hunger, or disease will Maggie Ferguson any economists 1843 magazine are subject loneliness, Ferguson chronicled the increasing rates of loneliness, irrespective of one's social or economic status, the hurt of feeling alone isn't new to our day. Indeed, the pain of isolation echoes off the pages of the ancient book of Ecclesiastes often attributed to King Solomon. The book captures the sorrow of those who seem to lack any meaningful relationships. The speaker lamented that it's possible to acquire significant wealth and yet experienced no value from it because there's no one to share with but the speaker also recognize the beauty of companionship writing that friends help you accomplish more than you can achieve on your own companions help in times of need. Partners bring comfort and friends can provide protection in difficult situations. Loneliness is a significant struggle, God created us to offer and receive the benefits of friendship and community.
If you are feeling alone. Pray that God would help you form meaningful connections with others. In the meantime find encouragement in the reality that the believer is never truly alone because Jesus is spirit is always with us today Our Daily Bread devotional Scripture reading is from Ecclesiastes chapter 4 verses eight through 12, there was a man all alone. He had neither son nor brother.
There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth, for whom am I toiling. He asked and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment. This too is meaningless. A miserable business to are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.
If either of them falls down one can help the other up that pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also if to lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone, though one may be overpowered to can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Now let's pray heavenly father.
It seems in this age of constant connection. Many find themselves more lonely than ever. Lord, for those who are struggling today. Right now we pray that you would fill that void in their life, whether through a good friend or simply by your presence. Thank you Lord it in Jesus name we pray. Amen. Today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread ministries
