Standing Alone

One of the hardest feelings in life is that of loneliness. The Bible tells us that it is not good for man to be alone, which led to Eve being created. Even the Godhead -God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit- commune as three in one. However, although it is evident that we need people and should relate well with those we come in contact with as families, friends, and acquaintances, there comes a time when we might be alone. We came into this world alone, and we would leave it alone. Even twins have different fingerprints, unique attributes, and individual identities. Thus, although we are together with people, we should note that we are individuals who are together, not a mass of humanity. That is why even when married couples sleep on the same bed, one partner cannot sleep for the other person. Depending on the context and situation, being alone is not necessarily harmful and does not equate to loneliness. We better appreciate and effectively harness the peculiarities of our unique attributes when we can maximise our time alone. To enjoy other people’s company, first, enjoy your own company.

Moving beyond the philosophical point of view, this current article focuses on the action word in the title, “Standing.” The Bible tells in Ephesians 6:13b,14, “…and having done all, to stand. Stand, therefore…” It is easy to stand and even move along with the tide, but what do we do when it turns against us? Our colleagues might have common interests with us on things like the politics of our lands, sports, the economy, academics, careers, and job prospects. Those conversations are easy and even pleasant to have and enjoy, but what happens when specific tenets of our faith are called into question? What do we do when we seem odd, sticking out like a sore thumb? That feeling can be overwhelming and might make us want to blend in and identify with the crowd. However, the Lord is encouraging about standing alone.

First, we should not forget the word of the Lord about the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. Man’s challenges and limitations seem overwhelming when the presence of God is forgotten. When, in 1 Samuel chapter 17, Saul and his hosts were to fight Goliath, you could see the apparent expression of fear and dread in their hearts because of the size of the enemy ahead of them, and they had to run away filled with fear. Then came a young boy called David. A youth who ought to be the most fearful was the one who summoned the most incredible amount of courage. He didn’t get that strength from his armour of Saul because the armour owner was weak. Instead, he came against the foe in the name of the Lord. He was conscious of the presence of God, and though he faced the giant alone, the Lord was with him and wrought a great victory in Israel that day. Do not allow the noise to make you feel lonely. The one you have on your side is the majority. Another case in the Bible is that of Elisha and his servants. The message translation reads, 2 Kings 6:15-17: “Early in the morning a servant of the Holy Man got up and went out. Surprise! Horses and chariots surrounding the city! The young man exclaimed, “Oh, master! What shall we do?” He said, “Don’t worry about it -there are more on our side than on their side.” Then Elisha prayed, “O GOD, open his eyes and let him see.” The eyes of the young man were opened, and he saw. A wonder! The whole mountainside is full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha! If the Lord can open your eyes to know that God is present, you’ll come out strong. Also, many men come out of adversity with the strength and resolve that can take over the world around them. That period of loneness makes them encounter God in a fresh and unique dimension that affects all aspects of their lives. In communing with him, you’ll learn more about yourself and, like Moses, emerge from the situation as a colossus of the Lord's army.

After the encounter with the Lord in the spiritual, can things be done in the physical? Of course, yes! At this point, it is necessary to point out that standing alone does not necessarily mean standing aloof. The negative actions of close and trusted friends, leaders, and acquaintances might make you lose hope in humanity and choose to be aloof and isolated, but that provides an avenue for the devil to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). One way that we can go about it is to seek the right company. The scriptures say in Malachi 3:16 (New Living Translation), “Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honour of his name.” In times and seasons when it is hard to be alone and we feel isolated, the Lord can provide the right company for us. Through the scriptures, we see that those who did exploits for God had the privilege of working with the right company, including Jesus with his disciples and David with his mighty men. Although they had seasons of intimate and personal communion with the Spirit of God in solitude, they enjoyed the fellowship of dwelling together with the right company in unity.

Finally, my dearly beloved, Jesus is with you. His presence will never leave you alone. As you commune and fellowship with Him, He reassures you of His love. When you feel alone, know that you can stand because He, who is invisible, is with you and in you. He has promised never to leave or forsake you. May your eyes be opened to see the invisible being, and always be reassured when standing alone. May you emerge from those seasons with renewed grace, unction, and in-filling of the Holy Ghost. May God also provide you with the right company of friends and family to empower you in all ramifications.

ACTION STEPS

Pray that the Lord should send the right friends to you, and when He does, be deliberate about keeping such friends.