RICH LIFE SERIES: 1 | NEVER ALONE

Disclaimer: Someone once told me, "I hope you are glorifying God with your blogs." My blog started out with bitterness, and one day I will repost them just for you to see what I've gone through... But that confrontation led me to thinking about the purpose of my writing. I don't write for a love lost and a life destroyed. I write to be light to others, and to help people like me, people who fall, and stumble, and get lost, to find themselves again and just let God do the job. Whatever drudgery or broken dreams we've had, God wants us to have richer, fuller lives. Aim for that. :)

Each of us strive to make our lives richer – capture moments of joy, experience new things, and spread love to people we connect with. This is what this series is all about: despite all your major problems, you can still make your life richer and better. Kapit, kapatid, it will be a fun ride. :) NOTE: IM A WORK IN PROGRESS«« Perfection not achieved yet. :)

RICH LIFE SERIES: 1 | NEVER ALONE

Have you ever been in that situation when you feel no one really cares about you anymore?

In my most recent relationship, I depended to much on companionship that I never really got to know the feeling of just giving myself the me-time that I need. When the days came when I had no one else to be with me on a Friday night, on a weekend, or on a dinner date, I felt totally depressed because I had no one else to turn to...

Worse, when that relationship sort of ended, I lost my way and was, indeed, ALONE!

Have you been rejected before? Have you expected too much on something and it didn't turn out to be that way? Did you experience people turn back on you even if you have given them your full trust? Do you feel pressured seeing others not doing anything to lift you up in the times when you are desperate for a pat on the back?

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. cliché, but... Michael Jackson was right. "I am here with you", says that small voice in your heart... When we feel and see that we are alone, we hear our spirits break, crack, and speak. And then we know we are not alone. We are stronger than we think we are. 

The perfect example of a man rejected and alone (Matt. 26:3-4), frustrated because of unmet expectations (Matt. 26:20-21), betrayed (Matt. 26:14-16), desperate for companions in a troubled time (Matt. 26:40) – is no less than Jesus Himself. And then of course He had to die a terrible, excruciating death, all to save humankind, including those who nailed Him at the cross.

He knows what you are going through, because He had experienced it first hand.

In Psalm 139:7-10, we see David cry out to God saying that God is there everywhere, and that he can't flee from God's presence... "even there, your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."

Yes, kapatid, wherever you are now in your journey of loneliness or being alone, know that God values you so much He's holding you by His right hand. The road crossing the bounds of loneliness is hard, and you will fall a lot of times. Trying to cope up with a terrible loss? Trying to forget something that has forgotten you? Fearing thoughts of people about you? Not getting what you want when you think you deserve it? I tell you, you will fall down. You will go through this ever so painfully, and I promise it won't be light...

But loneliness and being alone is the time when your glory fades and only God's light emanates. When you are down and out, there's no way to go but up. And who would you want to pick you up from this hardship? With God, kapatid, you are not alone.

Meanwhile, aside from letting God go with you through this time, take the opportunity to learn about a lot of things during this time of being alone.

LOOK AT THINGS DIFFERENTLY. Gain new perspectives. You had to lose this one thing because at one point, this one thing has been more important than yourself and your God... Siguro, you had to fail the examination while everyone else passed because you had to know that you have to put more effort in your studies and you can actually do it. Look at things in a new light, and appreciate the learnings you will get.

ENJOY YOUR TIME ALONE. Funny, but when you are alone, you have all the time in the world to enjoy life and see people, do new hobbies, and use God-given talents purposefully. Learn new things about yourself. 

ACCEPT LONELINESS. There's a time for everything. The Bible also shares in Ecclesiastes 7:3 that sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart. Not that you will forever be lonely, but know that what you are going through right now is a refinement of your character – instead of just knowing all the happiness in life, you now know how it feels to be lonely, and therefore you can be sensitive to others who are also in the same tight spot. Many characters in the Bible were refined by loneliness and by being alone – Noah had no one but his family when God asked him to build an ark. David had no one when he had to face Goliath. Jonah was alone in the belly of the big fish when he had to go to Nineveh to face his fears. Job was stripped off of everything he has, but he did not sin against God. Jesus was all alone when he died on the cross for us. Sometimes, being alone and being lonely makes us better persons so God can use us to shed light to others.

REVEL ON TRUTHS THAT YOU FORGOT. You have friends. You have a family that will never get tired of loving you. You are blessed, everyday, because His mercies are new every morning. You can restart life each day, you can breathe, you can eat, – these things are truisms you will forget in this time of being alone and being lonely. Find these truths. Look at them again, and hold them closely in your heart, however small or humble. These are great treasures in times like these.

NURTURE YOURSELF. Sometimes, loneliness can be brought about by your lack of rest, your willful negligence of food, and your self-pity hobby that you don't want to let go of. Nurturance is key and you always have to see that while you are lonely and alone, you also need to get through this ALIVE. The prophet Elijah once faced a difficult challenge. (1Kings 19) He ran away and he arrived at a deserted place. There he felt so alone, tired, weak, and cried out to God in fear and despair. But God has sent him comfort – he was repeatedly fed and laid down to sleep, until he was able to think things through and be strong enough once again. Get through this lonely time alive. Nurture yourself. It is a duty of man to God to LIVE the LIFE we've been given.

RICH LIFE ADVICE:

In summary, LEARN. LEARN, and LEARN from the heart. You are where God wants you to be right now. Things may not be clear, but learn one day at a time. Being alone is painful, but know that you are never alone in this time ––– find comfort in God, the only source of strength that will be consistent all throughout your hardships. He will see you through, if you only let Him drive. Loneliness is tragical, but it teaches some of the most important virtues in life. When you learn, give help to others. Remember, a lot of people go through these things everyday, you might know someone who is currently in this stage. Reach out. Pray. Help. And Enjoy life, however dim it is, for they say the darkest part of the day is that moment before the sun rises again. :)