08.06.2023 | NEVER ALONE
NEVER ALONE
Psalm 68:1-2 (NKJV)
Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered; let those also who hate Him flee before Him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
Psalm 68:3-4
But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God; yes, let them rejoice exceedingly. Sing to God, sing praises to His name; extol Him who rides on the clouds, by His name YAH, and rejoice before Him.
Psalm 68:5-6
A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation. God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
Psalm 68:5-6 (NIV)
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, He leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
The Surgeon General of the U.S. of America issued a bulletin in May 2023 called: “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.”
Social connection is as essential to humanity as food, water, or shelter.
50% of Americans are struggling with loneliness and an even greater number of children.
Loneliness increases the risk of heart disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and suicide.
“While the pandemic is over, many people continue to remain isolated from those with whom they interacted before the pandemic.” – Dr. Daniel Amen
“Go back to church. Get involved. Get involved with groups. No better place to solve this problem than the church.” – Dr. Daniel Amen
What would the Holy Spirit say to us this morning about this urgent issue of loneliness and isolation?
1. We are Not Forgotten
Psalm 68:5a
A father to the fatherless.
We have a Heavenly Father who loves us!
John 14:18 (NKJV)
I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
Galatians 4:6
And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out,” Abba, Father.”
Isaiah 49:14
But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, and my Lord has forgotten me.”
Isaiah 49:15
Can a woman forget her child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely, they may forget, yet I will not forget you.
Isaiah 49:16a
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.
2. We are Never Alone
“I may be lonely, but I am never alone!” – Nicky Cruz
Psalm 68:5
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows.
Luke 7:12a
And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow.
Luke 7:13
When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”
Luke 7:14
Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.”
Luke 7:15
So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother.
John 16:32
Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.
2 Timothy 4:16a
At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me.
2 Timothy 4:17a
But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be fully preached through me.
3. We Belong in the Family of God
Psalm 68:6a (NIV)
God sets the lonely in families.
Ephesians 2:13 (NKJV)
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:19 (NLT)
So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.
We are family through the blood of Jesus Christ!
4. We Need Community
Hebrews 10:25 (NKJV)
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Calling to those in that place of loneliness and isolation: Push through the isolation.
Proverbs 18:1
A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment.
Calling to the Family of God: Welcome all who come with warmth and love.
Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Discussion Questions:
1. Describe a time in your life when you faced great loneliness. What was it like? How did you feel?
2. What has helped you overcome loneliness in your own life?
3. How can you help those around you who might be lonely and isolated?
4. What can we do at Joy Church to build stronger community?