There are times when we feel lost and so alone. Moments when we wish we could reach out to a friend, but we can't find the courage to bare our soul. We feel that we are our only companion. Though we wish we could share our hurting heart with someone, we feel we have no one to tell our story to.
At times like these, we have to stop the self-perpetuating thoughts that drag us down into the depths of self-pity and anguish. Distraction may help us to shift our thoughts. Redirecting the mind is a really good tool when feelings of loneliness or grief overwhelm us.
Think of something that really absorbs your thoughts, a project that requires you to focus your mind and your energies onto specific details. Here are a few suggestions for when you're feeling consumed by your sadness and you feel all alone:
- Do something kind for yourself! Take a nice, hot bath or shower. Go for a walk in nature. Taking time to nurture your body is an amazing way to soothe your soul.
- Eat. Good food does so much more for our mood than shoving sweets or salty chips into our system, even though that may be what we crave. The task of preparing healthy food is mind-consuming and the smell of sauteing, sizzling food awakens an appetite you thought was gone.
- Do something kind for someone who is hurting even more than you are. Shifting our focus away from our troubles and to the aid of another is the best way to get outside of our own thoughts.
- Sing. I know that sounds crazy, because singing is the last thing your heart wants to do. But somehow, even singing through your tears elevates your heart to a new level of understanding in your grief. Try it sometime. You might feel ridiculous at first, and certainly it won't be your best, but you're not performing. You're singing to your soul, giving it the gift of life.
Most importantly, remember that we are never really alone. Our lifetime companion, the One who made us, is always with us. The God who loves us unconditionally and forever is the God of Love. Reach out your heart to Him, give Him your tears and your loneliness, and you will know that you are not alone.
God is always with us, and wants to be near to our hearts. I can't describe how it works, but I know that when I reach out to God in my pain, I feel peace wash over me and I am comforted.
Haven't talked to God in awhile? Now is a really good time to start. Just call upon His name, and tell Him your pain. You will know He is there to hear your hurt and calm you. And you won't have to bear your pain alone.
Reach out, my friends. There may be sorrow in the night, but there is joy in the morning. Every day is new. A chance to begin again. Life is awakening all around us, and we can awaken to a new relationship with God and with ourselves. I promise it will be worth the effort it takes to get out of bed, and leave the darkness behind you.
If you would like, you can leave a comment below so that I may pray for you. You may post anonymously, if you wish. God knows who you are. And I would be honored to pray on your behalf.
Casting Crowns has a song for these feelings of loneliness and sadness.When you're trying to hold on but feel like you can't hold on another minute. I've found it to be a great comfort and reminder that we are never truly alone, that God is always with us. He just a thought or prayer away. And He loves us. Unconditionally.
This song resonates in my heart, and I grab onto these promises and hold on for dear life in times when I can't see the forest for the trees. Mark Hall & Casting Crowns... Just Be Held
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