When You're Discouraged and Lonely

Bill Bright

“Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Are you discouraged? God tells us not to be. God will help you conquer every discouragement! And when you come through the valleys of discouragement, you will find that God was there all the time. He was waiting patiently for you to exhaust your means and energy and turn to Him for His help. What a tremendous encouragement!

Are you lonely? Some of our most lonely moments can be when we are in a crowd, and yet no one notices us. Our heart aches when we think no one cares. But Jesus is our ever-present friend. He promises,

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5, NIV).

He is also with us as we face lonely tasks. When David Livingstone sailed to Africa for the first time as a missionary, a group of his friends accompanied him to the pier to wish him bon voyage. They were concerned for his safety and reminded him of the dangers. One man even tried to convince him to remain in England. But Livingstone opened his Bible and read Jesus' words from Matthew 28:20: "Lo, I am with you always." He turned to the man and smiled. "That, my friend, is the word of a gentleman...So let us be going."

No person or circumstance can ever remove us from the presence of our loving God. Paul writes,

"I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from His love." (Romans 8:38).

He is here with us right now and forever – because He is our ever-present God. He is our guide for life and for eternity. What an incredible truth!

Your View of God Really Matters ...

Are you discouraged or lonely? Read Romans 8:38-39. Thank God for his constant love and presence in the midst of your pain. Then, as soon as you are able, share this truth with someone else in need of encouragement.


Because God is ever-present,
He is always with me.


Learn more about God’s character at Discover God, by Bright Media Foundation, an affiliate of Cru.

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Bright Media Foundation is an affiliate of Cru.

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