But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. – 2 Timothy 4:17
Early this year, the American Psychiatric Association conducted a poll in which they found that 30 percent of adults in the United States admit to feeling lonely at least once a week. Ten percent say they are lonely every day. Among young people aged 18-34, 30 percent say they experience loneliness every day, or at least several times a week. Last year, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called loneliness a public epidemic.
In the section of 2 Timothy that contains today’s verse, the Apostle Paul is offering farewell greetings to his young protégé. Much of it is a sad account. He is in prison once again and in despair. Through it all, though, Paul’s testimony was that he was not alone. The Lord was there… and He had been with Paul the entire time. It was God’s power that enabled him to be strong. Theologian John Piper said, “When Jesus is all you have, Jesus is all you need.” Paul relied on that truth.
Dr. Tom Schwanda, Professor Emeritus of Wheaton College, wrote, “God’s presence is not something we created by our efforts. It is always God’s gift to us totally independent of what we do. For, in reality, God is already present; it is we who needed to be awakened to God’s presence. The biblical truth and resulting comfort that we must remember is that God is always with us.” If you are lonely, reach out, tell someone. Do not “suffer in silence.” If you are spiritually lonely, pray; then pray again. The Lord longs for you to know His presence with you. Pray for a deeper awareness of the presence of God among Christians in government, where taking a stand for Christ can often be a lonely thing.
Today’s Verse: 2 Timothy 4:17
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 139:1-12
O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,”
12 even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
