Cast Down and Lonely but Not Forgotten
What do we do when loneliness settles in? You may be cast down and lonely but you are not forgotten.
Why do I feel alone?
Early in the morning, I woke up with a heavy burden on my heart. On the carpet, bent over, eyes stinging, I confessed my jealousy toward a girlfriend’s success. Why did I feel so alone? “Please, God, search my heart. Pull out these painful roots of bitterness and shame.”
I know God finishes what He begins and is responsible for my increase. And that my job is to show up every day and do my best. But how can I do this if my heart is bitter and lonely?
Believing we are forgotten makes it easy for sin to take root. We may feel left out, unqualified, or abandoned as envy and resentment set in. This leads to loneliness from a loved one, and our transgressions create separation from God, causing spiritual loneliness.
Loneliness can take our breath away, and we feel trapped and forgotten.
While reading Psalm 42, I began understanding my condition and what God was teaching me. In Psalm 42:11, David pleads, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God” (Psalm 42:11 ESV).
David doesn’t stay in his pit of despair, nor should we. Instead, he moves forward with hope.
Even when all seems hopeless, there is hope because God is on the throne. He’s in control and is going to deliver. Then David shifts to praising God for His faithfulness and salvation. God has been faithful to past saints and all generations of His beloved.
We may be cast down and lonely, but God hasn’t forgotten us. In fact, we are engraved on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:15:16).
We break free of loneliness by running to our Father, repenting our sins, searching our hearts, and praising and glorifying Him.
What will you do when you are downhearted by unconfessed sin, troubling circumstances, or an unmet prayer or expectation? Will you imprison yourself in self-pity and loneliness or grasp God’s hand?
Here are three steps inspired by Psalm 46:11 to practice when we are feeling cast down, forgotten, or lonely:
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I have to remember to catch myself and not let myself spiral down when I’m feeling alone, cast down and forgotten, too. I love how you instantly asked God to search your heart, that shows your trust in Him big time! I also love how you pulled the ‘reflect, pray and praise’ from David’s beautiful verse! I love this post, very encouraging and edifying, sweet friend! ???? Sending hugs and prayers your way, much love, Donna xx
Donna, it was the Holy Spirit who led me quickly to my senses and David’s Psalm. We learn a lot about how it is ok to come to God when we are in despair. He wants to hear our lament. God bless you too sweet sister.
This is such a great and real topic! I enjoyed this excerpt and the full post. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for reading and I happy you enjoyed it.
Well-written post! I really admire your heart posture towards this. Glad I stumbled upon this! Thank you! ?
Jen, happy you are here. I look forward to sharing my heart.
Amen, running to God is vital to forming our perspectives. Thank you for this great reminder!
Theresa, thank you for commenting – your wisdom and love of God is beautiful.