Relationships
Adult loneliness hurts in the body, not only in the mind. No lunch invitation. An empty flat. A pew where no one sits down. God is not far away then. You are seen. You may also take a small step toward someone else who looks alone — that is often how belonging starts.
Where could I go from your Spirit? Or where could I flee from your presence? If I ascend up into heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there! If I take the wings of the dawn, and settle in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there your hand will lead me, and your right hand will hold me.
What it means
God is already where you are. He protects, leads and holds you — at work, when you are left out, when it is darkest. You do not fall out of his hands.
How you can live it
When it feels heavy: say hi to someone — a colleague, a friend, whoever is there. Nothing more. You do not have to tell the whole story.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.
What it means
When your heart feels broken and you are heavy inside, he is not farther away — he is closer. Nearness is not a reward for the strong and cheerful. It comes just when you cannot pretend.
How you can live it
When you are sad: you do not have to cheer up first. Say how it is. He is already near.
Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, “I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.” So that with good courage we say, “The Lord is my helper. I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
What it means
People can leave. God has said he will not. When someone walks out, fear does not get the last word — the Lord stays, even then.
How you can live it
When you feel abandoned: say the promise out loud. You are not alone in the room.
A prayer
Lord, you see me when I am left out. Stay with me, and show me someone to be a friend to. Amen.