The mystery of loneliness
It is strange for me to talk about loneliness. Coming from a non-single child family, with siblings and cousins to accompany for growth, and being currently part of a vibrant church community, enjoying an intimate relationship with God, it is just strange for me to talk about loneliness. Perhaps to some people, it seems more logical to talk about community, and friendship... but loneliness?
Loneliness is perhaps something that will happen in this highly competitive environment, where people dun slow down and those who can't catch up got left behind. I sometimes think of the church community almost entering into this stage. Not saying that people cannot grow at their own pace, as I must admit that I myself grow at a fast pace in the beginning of my Christian walk as well. But loneliness is a phenomenon that is hard to explain. Perhaps it has to do with what we do about our relationship with God. A relationship with God is supposed to be a vibrant one, that is exciting, not boring, that is fun, not lousy. The key thing occurs when you realise that although you can feel God's presence, it is almost certain that you can't see him with a physical eye. Perhaps that's how human beings are being wired up. We tend towards things that we can see. That's why God asks us to actively pursue godly fellowship with people.
Nonetheless... people... people are not flawless. There can really occur a time when you just feel lonely, when God withdraws His presence from you (He's still with you though), when people start going out, talking things that you cannot relate to. It's just like you are holding on to a guitar, together with your friends, but you and your friends are playing totally 2 different songs. There, you are alone. Loneliness needs not occur when you are by yourself physically. It can occur among friends. No wonder the psalmists cry out to God about their loneliness. It is hardly a wonder. Human, even with a relationship with God, can feel lonely.
I personally believe it has nothing to do with God, but has everything to do with people around us and ourselves. I was looking at my room. Sometimes you are with another person, in a room, just enjoying a 2-people world. But you never realise that you two are alone in your own world, isolated from the rest of your friends. Sometimes you are alone by yourself, but you know that you can never be too alone, as you know your company. Such is the mystery of loneliness.
Such is the mystery of loneliness...
Loneliness is perhaps something that will happen in this highly competitive environment, where people dun slow down and those who can't catch up got left behind. I sometimes think of the church community almost entering into this stage. Not saying that people cannot grow at their own pace, as I must admit that I myself grow at a fast pace in the beginning of my Christian walk as well. But loneliness is a phenomenon that is hard to explain. Perhaps it has to do with what we do about our relationship with God. A relationship with God is supposed to be a vibrant one, that is exciting, not boring, that is fun, not lousy. The key thing occurs when you realise that although you can feel God's presence, it is almost certain that you can't see him with a physical eye. Perhaps that's how human beings are being wired up. We tend towards things that we can see. That's why God asks us to actively pursue godly fellowship with people.
Nonetheless... people... people are not flawless. There can really occur a time when you just feel lonely, when God withdraws His presence from you (He's still with you though), when people start going out, talking things that you cannot relate to. It's just like you are holding on to a guitar, together with your friends, but you and your friends are playing totally 2 different songs. There, you are alone. Loneliness needs not occur when you are by yourself physically. It can occur among friends. No wonder the psalmists cry out to God about their loneliness. It is hardly a wonder. Human, even with a relationship with God, can feel lonely.
I personally believe it has nothing to do with God, but has everything to do with people around us and ourselves. I was looking at my room. Sometimes you are with another person, in a room, just enjoying a 2-people world. But you never realise that you two are alone in your own world, isolated from the rest of your friends. Sometimes you are alone by yourself, but you know that you can never be too alone, as you know your company. Such is the mystery of loneliness.
Such is the mystery of loneliness...
Bro, think this is a very touching post. It's very real - and true, and I felt very edified by it. Hee, actually, this part encouraged me: "Loneliness is perhaps something that will happen in this highly competitive environment, where people dun slow down and those who can't catch up got left behind."
ReplyDeleteYah! as someone who's very slow... I can understand that fully. :D