This summer has been a busy one for our family, filled with projects of all sorts that we have worked on individually and as a family. Our house has been cleaned, painted, organized, and repaired within an inch of its life, and it’s kept us very busy. I’ve also worked more than usual on landscaping projects – moving plants, discarding others that were dying, educating myself on gardening techniques, and making plans for next year based upon what I’ve learned.
As the summer has drawn to a close, my daughter and I have both noticed a strange thing: late in the afternoon, when our pace slows and we have accomplished much of what we intended to do for the day, we have felt lonely, lethargic, and out-of-sorts, especially if my husband is on shift at the firehouse.
Sometimes, we can remedy the blues by taking a break together, chatting or playing a game as a family. Other times, we can’t leave what we are working on and have to plow through the depression on our own.
But as evening approaches, the feeling seems to lift and we feel ourselves again, energized and ready to do a bit more before heading to bed.
As Google has an answer for everything, I researched the issue online and found that it’s quite common. The feelings of fatigue and depression can be brought about by our circadian rhythms, which dictate when we feel the need to sleep and affect all sorts of systems in the body. Staying busy, chatting with a loved one, taking a brief walk, and soaking up the sunshine are a few ways one can alleviate the problem.
Just after I Googled the issue, I “happened” to come across an article by David Jeremiah about seeking God in loneliness, whether during a lonely cycle of life, or brief periods of time such as my daughter and I have been experiencing. He suggested using such times to reach out to God, to ask him to fill one’s empty, sad spaces with his paternal presence. Meditate upon Scripture. Ask God to speak to you. Take comfort in the joy of the Lord.
Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. – Isaiah 51:11
As in every time of life, when lonely or depressed, only God can bring lasting joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment.
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. – Psalm 16:11
Have you ever thought to use loneliness as an opportunity to reach out to God? What have you been busy with this summer? I always enjoy hearing from you.
My Way Home 
A couple of thoughts. First, I was reminded of the loneliness Jesus must have felt on the cross when He cried out to His Father. Secondly, I wonder if loneliness is sent to a believer as a reminder of the One whom we can always depend on if we reach out in humility, and who will never leave us truly alone.
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Yes, I think loneliness is a sort of gift to a believer, if only we will recognize it as such – a gift that allows us to draw ever nearer to the Father and listen for his voice!
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I love those lonely times. They are times of stillness and waiting. When we cease from doing our ‘self’ nature rises up to give us all sorts of grief. It hates to wait. ‘Self’ hates to be still. It pushes us to keep feeding it.
But when it is still and quiet God is there. In the stillness, as we wait, He comes to us to speak. It is in these times we must learn to fight ‘self’ and cultivate an attitude of listening. When we do so the stillness drifts into our souls as His peace where we can rest in the perfect knowledge that He has us in His hands. It is ok to rest. It just takes effort to push past ‘self’ and hear Jesus.
Blessings,
Homer Les
http://Www.uncompromisingself.ca
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Beautifully said!
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Thank you for a very encouraging and inspiring post. God bless you✝️
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Praise the Lord. I’m so glad you were encouraged! God bless you.
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