Life was once full of gloom. There was no hope and no promise of tomorrow, nothing but darkness and loneliness. It was a very sad time, and I felt all by myself. There have been many of these seasons in my life. I have often asked God, why?
The darkness has been so great at times that life itself seemed to have no value, and to be completely honest, I didn’t want to go on. I had many friends around me, yet it seemed they were silent, even as they spoke. Their words, although rich in understanding and wisdom, couldn’t penetrate my lonely heart. Their hugs, tender in touch, couldn’t awaken my soul. Even the voice of my loving wife couldn’t soothe the emptiness inside. I felt alone.
I can’t explain these dark seasons other than to say that they are paralyzing. I have asked God numerous times to take my life, but He hasn’t. And I’m thankful.
During every dark season, I wonder if I will ever return to a place of joy and a sound mind. Life seems hopeless, and I cry out to God as the psalmist David did during his times of loneliness: “Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress. My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all!” (Psalm 25:16–17).
Perhaps you’ve been in this place I am describing. It’s real. Too many people know it, and many lose their lives there. In fact, I lost a dear friend there last summer. He could not overcome the voices and the screams of death and destruction, and in the end, he took his own life and that of his wife.
Even if you haven’t reached this low of a point in your life, everyone has, at one time or another, felt completely alone. Most of us work hard to mask our loneliness. Some cover it with activities, relationships, attitudes, fashion, beauty, or perhaps even religion. Others numb it with substances, food, or sex…to no avail.
What can we do when seasons of loneliness and despair come? How can we find relief from such pain?
Cry out!
Cry out to the One who truly understands the depth of your pain. Cry out to the One who is able to penetrate the barrier of your loneliness, fill your empty heart, and rescue your weary soul. Cry out to Jesus.
When you do, God Himself thunders down from Heaven, bringing with Him light, hope, and life. In His great mercy and grace, He will rescue you from the pit of depression and bring life to your weary soul. He did it for me. His voice broke through my fear; it unyoked me from my guilt and shame. He did it for David (read Psalm 18:4–19). And He will do the same for you!
Friend, God has no favorites. What He does for one of His children, He will do for another. Don’t give up on life, no matter how alone you feel. Cry out to God. He will answer you and come to your rescue. Give Him your loneliness and darkness. He will take it and make a beautiful exchange. “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever! (Psalm 30:11–12).
Written by George W. Beasley
Photo by Huy Phan
