The Emotions of Lent: Loneliness

The Emotions of Lent: Loneliness

Rev. Dr. Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor

Genesis 3:1-13,21-24                

I Corinthians 12:12-27                  

Matthew 4:1-11

The problem: loneliness

Lent – The 40 days of Lent = 40 days of Jesus’ temptation in the desert or wilderness, the Greek word for wilderness indicating ‘solitary, abandoned, desolate.’ The origin of this loneliness is the Fall described in our Old Testament reading – Genesis 3:1-13, 21-24.

Q: Where in your life have you felt or do you now feel abandoned, living in a solitary, desolate place on your journey of life? 

There is a severity of loneliness that can lead to deep profound depression and suicidal thoughts: “’I despise my life; I would not live forever. Let me alone; my days have no meaning.’”  Job 7:16

Q: Where in your life have you felt or do you now feel this way? What do you want to say to God about it?

The cry of Christ from the cross bridged the gap of loneliness between us and God: "'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'" Mark 15:34

God’s response to our loneliness: Promises of Presence

“…the Lord your God goes with you: he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6/Hebrews 13:5

“’…I will be with you always, to the very end…’” Matthew 28:20

“…nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39

Q: Which of these three promises most speaks to your times of loneliness? Why?

God’s response to our loneliness: Promises of People

"We were all baptized by one Spirit into one body…now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:13,27

“For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord.” Romans 14:7

“…you were slain, and with your blood you purchased people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God.” Revelation 5:9-10

Q: How does being a part of Christ’s body and therefore connected to Him through His people address your times of feeling lonely?

Monday Morning

Fill in the response spaces in the outline and incorporate them into your prayer time each day.