Laying Aside Hypocrisy

 

 

1 PETER 2:1-5

SUBJECT: GROWTH THROUGH ENDURANCE

RELEVANCE: because God is always in control and our hope is in Christ, we are admonished to never despair or backslide due to difficult and unfair circumstances. We should rather strive to grow spiritually and persevere in practical righteousness. We must lay aside wrong attitudes because they encumber God’s glory and our spiritual progress.

THEME: We must lay aside hypocritical attitudes because they hinder God’s glory and our spiritual appetite and growth.

INTRODUCTION: how should I conduct myself when life seems to fall apart? What does God expect of me when the situation is harsh, one-sided, and bursting with uninvited burdens? God invites us to view our season of troubles as trials of our faith—opportunities to bring greater glory to God when Christ appears (see 1 Peter 1:6-7).

1) We are inclined to abandon godly expressions resorting rather to handling hurts, troubles, and unfair treatments as before we trusted Christ. In such times we need to refocus ourselves and adjust our perspective to live more according to God’s expectations emotionally.

2)  Instead of becoming cold towards God, we must maintain a correct spirit toward him and others.  Sometimes it is very easy to put on a smile and go through the motions, but to be real in our spirit, attitude, and heart is a different matter. Trials can be real opportunities to grow spiritually, but we will have to be especially attentive to the purpose of living for God during these challenging conditions.

MESSAGE: 

STRIVE TO GROW SPIRITUALLY BY LAYING ASIDE ATTITUDES OF HYPOCRICY (1PET. 2:1)

There is a great temptation to take on non-Christian attitudes and to assume a hostile spirit when difficulties come. Sometimes extreme adjustments, out of the ordinary pressures, and unfamiliar challenges can generate negative energies that will eventuate into hostility, irritability, and shortness of patience towards God and with others. In such times the Child of God must resist the temptation to revert to the old sinful tendencies and persist in uprightness.

1.  We must reject all forms of hypocrisy “and hypocrisies”  

Again, the idea of Laying Aside is like striping a banana peeling away from the fruit inside and casting it away as useless.  Likewise, we must reject hypocrisies because they will hindering God’s glory and our spiritual growth in the Lord.

         A. Hypocrisy Highlights a Person Who Is Insincere and Pretentious. 

The hypocrite is a play-actor, pretending to be someone he is not. They are feigning to be what they are not; assuming a false appearance of religion; cloaking a wicked purpose under the appearance of holiness.

ILLUSTRATION: He pretends to be happy in his marriage when his home is a battlefield of conflict with his wife and children. He or she pretends to be committed to Christ on Sunday, but is carnal, sensual, and worldly during the weekdays. He or she pretends to be interested in others’ welfare, but their motives are actually abusive, selfish, and advantageous. They commonly exploit, manipulate, milk, leverage, play on, and pimp people with little or no regard for their well-being.

         B. If a Believer Feels Like He Can Fake His Way Through His Christian Life He Will Never Experience Real Growth nor bring glory to God. Jesus repeatedly discouraged and warned of the downfall of hypocrites (Matt. 6:16-18; 7:3-5; 23:1-39)! We will be most tempted to fake the Christian life when the trials are heavy upon us. This is when we must concentrate the most on allowing the indwelling Christ to live genuinely and authentically through us.

ILLUSTRATION: READ SOME HYMNS WE REALLY SING

(1) When morning glides the skies/ My heart awaking cries/ Oh  no, another day

(2) Amazing grace, how sweet the sound/ that saved a wretch like you.

(3) The strife is o’er, the battle done/ Our church has splite and our side won.

(4) The church’s one foundation/ Is Tax-deductible.

(5) My Hope is built on nothing.

Let us take off hypocrisies and be real and genuine inside and outside.

2. There Are Several Forms of Hypocrisy. (1Pet. 2:1)

The word being plural comprehends all sorts of hypocrisies, and we have already suggested a few of these.

1. Religious 

Hypocrisy in Matters of Religion Is Counterfeit Spirituality.

Matt 23:27-28, Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.  (28)  Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Many times, it happens with saying the right things around the right folks. Speaking the Christian language, having the correct ‘look,’ and being present for the services of the church. They appear righteous and God fearing and this can readily be observed by on lookers. But when away from church and Christian influences that same person seems to be someone else altogether. They suffer greatly with a Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde lifestyle. 

                   i) We Must Beware of Spiritual Hypocrisy.

Matthew 16:6, Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Luke 12:1, In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

The Pharisees professed to adhere to the minutest details of the Law, yet their obedience was external and shallow. Inwardly they were evil and corrupt. Since this form of hypocrisy is likened unto leaven it has the potential to permeate the entire life with pretensions, manipulation, make-believe, abusing, play acting, walking on, exploiting, and counterfeiting. Leaving the individual totally corrupt–a living lie!

Matthew 23:24-28, Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. [25] Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. [26] Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. [27] Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. [28] Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

What we actually are is far more important than what we want others to think we are.  We tend to emphasize reputation—what we want others to think we are.  God emphasizes the Person—what we really are!  He desires truth in the inward parts–the heart!

Psalm 51:6, Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

                  ii) Our Holiness Must Be Genuine and Free of Any Counterfeiting.

Matthew 5:20, For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

                       aa) “Your righteousness”, your holiness; your views of the nature of righteousness, and your conduct and lives. Unless you have God’s own holiness, one cannot be saved.

                       bb) “Shall exceed”, will excel, or abound more. The personal righteousness of true Christians are seated in the heart, and is therefore genuine. Jesus means that unless they had more real holiness of character than the scribes and Pharisees, they are not behaving like saved people.

                       cc) “The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees”. Their righteousness consisted in outward observances of the ceremonial and traditional law. They offered sacrifices, fasted often, prayed much, were extremely proper about hygiene and cleanliness, and tithes, and the ceremonies of religion, but neglected fairness in treatment, truth and honesty, purity in motivations, and holiness of heart. See Matt 23:13-33. The righteousness that Jesus requires is purity, chastity, honesty, self-control, the fear of God, and the love of man. It is pure, eternal, reaching the motives, and makes our lives holy within and outside.

1 Samuel 16:7, But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

Matthew 5:8, Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.  

2. Social.  

Hypocrisy In Social Relationships Is Counterfeit Friendship.

This is much practiced by those who give high compliments, which they do not mean, make promises which they never intend to perform, or pretend friendship when mischief lies in their hearts. They tend to smile in your face for now but will later stab you in the back!

James 1:26, If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. (James 3:17)

3. Moral.

Hypocrisy Is Self-Righteous or Counterfeit Moral Purity.

Luke 18:10-14, Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. [11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. [12] I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. [13] And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Far too many people rest in their own goodness or proper activities for moral excellence and cleanliness. But God accepts the person who owns their sinfulness and asks for God’s righteousness instead. True morality begins with being honest with ourselves before God and in our interactions with other people. The key to morality is not perfection, but authenticity.

3. God Expects us to be Real.

We Must Resist Pretenses and Strive to Be Authentic and Real.

1 Tim 1:5, Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: (Exercising Real Faith from a clean and pure heart)

1 Peter 1:22, Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: (Exercising Real Love out of a pure heart because we have believed the gospel)

1 John 3:18-19, My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (19) And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. (A Real Walk before and with the Lord reflected in our authentic activities)

 

I'd Rather See A Sermon

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day,

I'd rather one should walk with me than merely show the way.

The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear;

Fine counsel is confusing, but example always clear;

And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,

For to see the good in action is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn how to do it if you'll let me see it done,

I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lectures you deliver may be wise and true:

But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do.

For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give,

But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

-Edgar A. Guest

 

CONCLUSION: How does God expect me to conduct myself in troubled times? We Must Lay Aside any Wrong Attitudes of the Heart Because They Hinder Go’s glory and Our Spiritual Appetite and Growth. Let Us Lay Aside the Wrong Attitude of Hypocrisy!

1) God expects us to take off attitudes that hide/conceal His glory and distort our spiritual growth (see 1 Peter 2:1-2).  

2) Instead of giving up resorting to hypocrisy, pretense, and faking, refocus our perspective to God’s expectations for us emotionally.         

3) Being Godly, Pure and Clean in our innermost being in this polluted unfair world means submission to the Control of the Holy Spirit (Temperance) (Galatians 5:22-25). Secondly, we need to be authentic…real…free of any pretense.

4) Don’t spend your energy trying to avoid trials but thank God for them. Adversity helps us develop endurance, and endurance is a powerful weapon to have in our character arsenal. Romans 5:3-5 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience (Perseverance/Endurance); [4] And patience, experience; and experience, hope: [5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

If you are at a quitting point, count the cost very carefully before throwing in the towel. Quitting is not glamorous. It does not develop your character. God does not call it blessed. In most cases, you will regret it for the rest of your life. But when you come to the quitting point and then, drawing on God’s strength, you build endurance in your life and glorify God.                              

Overcome Loneliness

 

John 14:15-26; 16:16-33

 

SUBJECT: STRENGTH FOR THE CHALLENGE OF LONELINESS

THEME: You Can Overcome the Feelings of Loneliness by Building Friendships with Fellow Believers.

RELEVANCE: loneliness seems pervasive in our world today. I have met hundreds of people through the years who have felt utterly alone, abandoned, isolated, ostracized, and thus, lonely.  However, we can embrace biblical principles to develop and maintain intimacy with God and with others. The truth is that God intends us to be in touch with and comfortable with other Christians. And most importantly God intends for us to be in touch with and close to Him.

INTRODUCTION:

Usually, Loneliness is a Condition we Try to Avoid.

Loneliness is one of the most excruciating feelings a person can ever have and one that nearly every person attempts to avoid at all costs. Yet, loneliness seems pervasive in our world today.

Older people give frequent testimony to loneliness, especially after the death of a spouse.  2) Divorced people feel extremely lonely and terribly out of place.  3) Young people often think they are totally alone in their feelings, especially if they have indifferent, self-absorbed parents. 4) Salespeople on the road are lonely.  5) Mothers who stay at home all day with young children often speak of loneliness.  6) College students and those of you in the military and are on your own for the first time are lonely.  7) Those who have empty nests after years of raising children are lonely.  8) Newly retired people, accustomed to a wide circle of colleagues, are suddenly lonely.  9) Wives (and sometimes husbands) living in a culture different than their native culture tend to experience great loneliness, especially if they cannot speak the local language well.  Loneliness seems to abound in every sector of life.

MESSAGE:

I. Understand That Feeling Alone Is Different from Truly Being Alone.   John 16:32, Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

In this one sentence the Lord Jesus express feelings of loneliness and the confidence of God’s presence.  No, he was not confused, but he was communicating the fact that feelings are not always true to reality.  Though the disciples would flee and run for safety, the Lord Jesus would not be left deserted because the Father would be with Him.  It was this union and communion with the Father that would actually support the Lord Jesus when his followers had escaped for their lives.

      *   Actually, being alone is a blessing to some people who find that they are continually surrounded by people or people-related demands.

      *   For others, being alone brings about great feelings of loneliness.

      *   For still others, loneliness is so pervasive in their souls that they can feel lonely even in a room full of people.

A.  GUARD AGAINST THINKING YOU ARE ISOLATED AND ALONE.   

1 Cor. 10:13, There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

    1. Many People Struggle with Feelings of Loneliness.

One of the things you must continually guard your mind against is the idea that you:

         *   are an isolated example or

         *   one-of-a-kind in your feelings of loneliness.

    2.  Christ by His Spirit is Ever with You!

The truth is that you are never alone; the Holy Spirit is present and available to you always.  We must believe God and not our feelings.

John 14:17-18, Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. [18] I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Hebrews 13:5, Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

God wants you to know you are not alone. You have the Holy Spirit to comfort you, teach you truth, and help you.

B.  RECOGNIZE THE OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE GOOD FRIENDS.

There are also many other Christian people who have experienced what you are experiencing and who would like the opportunity to be a friend to you.

    1. Reach Out and Take the Initiative to Make Friends.

At times when we are lonely, we simply need to reach out to others and invite their presence in our lives.  Those feelings indicate that it is time to be pro-active.

ILLUSTRATION: The prophet Elijah once felt very isolated and alone. He cried out to God, “I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” (1 Kings 19:14). Can you hear the desperation and loneliness in Elijah's words? Not only did he feel forsaken, but he felt that all of Israel had forsaken the things that were most important to Elijah.

The Lord responded to Elijah, “Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: … Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19:15, 18). Not only was Elijah not truly alone as a follower of the Lord God and a keeper of God's covenant, but there were seven thousand people with whom he might associate!

APPLICATION: The same is likely to be true for you. Not only are you not alone, but there are more people who feel as you feel and believe as you believe than you presently know!  Look around you; there are many people just like you who may be very open to healthy friendships.  Seek them out.

    2. Caring for the Lonely Can be a Cure for Loneliness. 

3 John 1:5-6, Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; [6] Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

In the early days of Christianity, traveling prophets, evangelists, and teachers were helped on their way by people like Gaius, who housed and fed them. Hospitality is a lost art in many churches today.

APPLICATION: We would do well to invite more people for meals -- fellow church members, young people, traveling missionaries, those in need, and visitors. This is an active and much appreciated way to show your love. In fact, it is probably more important today. Because of our individualistic, self-centered society, there are many lonely people who wonder if anyone cares whether they live or die. If you find such a lonely person, show him or her that you care!

II. Spring into Action Wisely When You Feel Lonely.

You simply cannot be alone once you have the Spirit of God dwelling in you. Even so, you can have a feeling of being alone even if you aren't alone. What, then, should you do when you have feelings of loneliness?

A.  REFUSE THOSE ACTIVITIES THAT ACTUALLY INCREASE LONELINESS.

Lonely people seem to turn to many things that create more loneliness, rather than to those things that can alleviate their feelings. We must exercise the wisdom of the prudent man who carefully considers where his choices will take him.

Proverbs 14:15-16, The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. [16] A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

There are several evils, potentially, that we face when we are plagued with lonely feelings. We need to know our vulnerability to these very powerful evils and guard ourselves against them.

      1. Don’t Substitute Liquor for Relationships.

Some turn to drugs and alcohol, both of which tend to alienate and turn away the very people with whom they might enjoy companionship.  This is not meant to be mean, but to state a factual condition in our culture.  Women tend to secretly overuse drugs like tranquilizers and barbiturates, and they often turn to alcohol.  By the time anybody figures out what’s going on, it’s nearly too late.  Make up your mind about this and stay away from drugs and alcohol.  They only make the situation worse.     

      2. Don’t Substitute Entertainment for Relationships.

Sometimes people turn to television, internet, videos, or podcast programs, all of which tend to isolate a person from human-to-human communication.  Some of this can be healthy with carefulness and wisdom, but it can greatly hinder any growing or potential companionship the Lord may be directing you.

      3. Don’t Substitute the World’s Crowd for Relationships. 

Sometimes believers turn to the wrong crowd seeking friendship and belonging.  This is one reason why gangs attract young people, though it’s a poor substitute for a family, young people still turn to them for relationships and acceptance–that which they cannot find at home.  In addition, after living in military communities for many years, I must say that there is a very unhealthy expectation to live wildly to fit in with the party crowd.  In fact, I am literally shocked at some of the things that military organizations and support groups use to alleviate loneliness when the husbands are deployed for extended periods of time. I am appalled by the behavior of those who prey on lonely wives when the men are away for long periods because of duty.  A word to the wise—BEWARE!

ILLUSTRATION:  I remember a young man getting saved and beginning to grow by leaps and bounds in the Lord.  He was literally on fire for God.  He had quit the shady past and reputation. God had saved and changed his life. Then a certain woman entered his life, and they were seriously considering marriage.  They came to me for counsel, and I was glad to work with them and proceeded to give guidance from God’s perspective.  I was preaching one Sunday night during that same time frame, and he was leveled by the message.  I simply preached on sowing and reaping.  Well, his past life was haunting him.  He knew now that his past relationships with several wives in housing were wrong and wicked especially when their husbands were in the field or deployed.  Now, that he was planning to get married, he could not bear the thought of someone taking advantage of his lonely wife while he was away.  He never went through with the wedding; he ended up alone.  Sin always destroys relationships and can hinder any future ones also.

APPLICATION: Even though you feel lonely, remain very selective with your choice of close friendships. Stay away from the crowd that runs to the bars, night clubs and strip joints!  Remain at a distance from those who promote or tolerate this same form of activity.  While I do not advocate isolation from lost people, I do encourage biblical separation.  We simply cannot participate in sinful behaviors like they do. 

Ephes. 5:10-13, Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. [11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. [12] For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. [13] But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

B.  REACH OUT AND BUILD FRIENDSHIPS AMONG GOD’S PEOPLE.

The foremost antidote that God has supplied for the person who feels lonely is this: good relationships with Christian people!

John 15:13-15, Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. [14] Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. [15] Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Obviously, God designed for Christians to share life and friendships with each other on a much deeper level! The ability to develop growing friendships is truly a mark of Christlikeness.

   1. Decide to be a Real Friend.

Proverbs 18:24, A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

        A.  Clearly, it Takes Being Friendly to Win and Keep Friends!

Friends. Who can overstate their value, their worth? They double our joy and divide our grief.

ILLUSTRATION: The Lord said about Adam when He realized that Adam was alone, “It is not good that the man should be alone;” and then the Lord took the necessary step to resolve this situation, “I will make him an help meet for him.” (Gen. 2:18). We often think this verse applies only to marriage but in a much broader sense, it applies to godly friendships. The Lord's desire is not only that you have a close, intimate relationship with Him but that you have satisfying and enriching personal relationships with other people.

QUOTE: Emerson once said, “We take care of our health, we lay up money, we make our roof tight and our clothing sufficient, but who provides wisely that he shall not be wanting in the best property of all—friends?”

QUOTE: William James said, “Wherever you are, it is your friends who make your world.”

QUOTE: Charles Haddon Spurgeon wrote, “Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life.”

QUOTE: Goethe wrote, “The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers, and cities, but to know someone here and there who thinks and feels with us and who, though distant, is close to us in spirit, makes the whole earth a garden.”

QUOTE: An English publication offered a prize for the best definition of a friend, and among the thousands of answers received were the following:

“One who multiplies joys and divides griefs.”

“One who understands our silence.”

“A volume of sympathy bound in cloth.”

“A watch which beats true for all times and never runs down.”

But here is the definition that won the prize: “A friend is one who comes in when the whole world has gone out!”  — Gene Getz

        B.  What Are the Marks of Real Friendship?

               1. Real friendship involves face-to-face honesty.

Exodus 33:11, And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

God and Moses talked face to face in the Tent of Meeting, just as friends do. Why did Moses find such favor with God? It certainly was not because he was perfect, gifted, or powerful. Rather, it was because God chose Moses, and Moses in turn relied wholeheartedly on God's wisdom and direction. Friendship with God was a true privilege for Moses, out of reach for the other Hebrews. But it is not out of reach for us today. Jesus called his disciples -- and, by extension, all of his followers -- his friends (John 15:15). He has called you to be his friend. Will you trust him as Moses did?

               2. Real friendship involves loyalty.

Proverbs 17:17, A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

 What kind of friend are you? There is a vast difference between knowing someone well and being a true friend. The greatest evidence of genuine friendship is loyalty (1 Cor 13:7) -- being available to help in times of distress or personal struggles. Too many people are fair-weather friends. They stick around when the friendship helps them and leave when they're not getting anything out of the relationship.

APPLICATION: Think of your friends and assess your loyalty to them. Be the kind of true friend the Bible encourages.

               3.  Real friendship is found with Jesus.

John 15:15, Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Because Jesus Christ is Lord and Master, he should call us servants; instead, he calls us friends. How comforting and reassuring to be chosen as Christ's friends. Because he is Lord and Master, we owe him our unqualified obedience, but most of all, Jesus asks us to obey him because we love him.

Real friendship is imitating Christ in our relationships. We are to love each other as Jesus loved us, and he loved us enough to give his life for us. We may not have to die for someone, but there are other ways to practice sacrificial love: listening, helping, encouraging, giving.

APPLICATION:  Now ask yourself an important question, “Am I willing to be this kind of friend?” Friends are at the very heart of what makes life worth living. Good friends can enrich us, encourage us, help us, counsel us, and just be with us. To have a friend, you must be a friend. Think of someone in particular who needs this kind of love today. Give all the love you can, and then try to give a little more.

   2.  Trust God to Help You Develop Friendships.

Here are at least seven things you can do to put yourself into the “market” for developing friendships:

       A. Accept Invitations to Social Events with Godly People.

       B. Get Involved with Your Church and with Various Outreach Ministries Within Your Church. Be faithful in your attendance and in your participation in group functions. Serving the Lord in an active way with other believers is a wonderful way for friendships to develop.

       C. Invite Others to Join You for Lunch or After-church Brunch.

       D.  Join a Sunday School Class or a Church Sponsored Bible Study Group.

       E. Participate in Retreats That Are Sponsored by Your Church or by sound and faithful Christian organizations, especially ones that involve other people who live in your city. Getting away for a weekend or going to a seminar with other Christians is a great way to meet people who are likely to have common interests with you.

       F. Join Bible-based Christian Clubs or Hobby Groups —for example, a men's group that engages in outdoor activities or sports, the Christian ladies fellowship, men’s prayer breakfast,  an exercise class–find a power walking partner, or a theater group or start a church choir.

       G. Attend a Course Offered by a Local Christian College, Bible Institute, or Through Your Church. Studying with other Christians is a good way to make new friends who share an interest in similar topics. Sometimes “community learning programs” or “neighborhood schools” that offer non-academic courses in such things as gourmet cooking, photography, or art appreciation are good places to meet potential friends.

   3. Ask the Lord to Reveal to You the People Who May Be Your Friends.

At the same time, ask Him to bring to your mind those friends whom you may have neglected recently; ask Him to show you ways in which you might rekindle old friendships.

      A.  Is it Right to Ask God for Friends? I encourage you to reflect upon 1 John 5:14–15:

1 John 5:14-15, And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: [15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Friendship is a good thing! It is God's will that you have friends. Therefore, when you ask the Lord to bring good Christian friends into your life, you are asking something that is according to God's will. Look for God to bring people your way. Look for new opportunities to arise for you to be a friend, and in the process, to gain a friend.

       B.  God Can Bring the Right People into Your Life.

In all things, remember Romans 8:28, which tells us that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” The good news of this verse applies to your friendships! God is the engineer of social relationships, and He has a way of bringing the right people into your life at the right times for the right purposes. Sometimes friendships last a lifetime. Sometimes they are intended only for a season of life.

APPLICATION:  Trust God to bring you the friends you need right now, and in turn, to be a friend to those who need your friendship. Hebrews 10:24-25, And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: [25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

1 Peter 4:8-9, And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. [9] Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

                1. Don’t Give Up on the Lord.

Do not give up on the Lord because you feel that He is distant from you. In reality, He is closer to you than your own breath.

                2.  Don’t Give Up on Your Christian Friends.

Do not give up on a Christian friend because you feel that your friend has disappointed you, has withdrawn from you, or conflicts with you. Ask your friend if you have done something to damage your friendship—for example,

                       *   if you have erred in a way you do not realize you have erred,

                       *   if you have required too much of your friendship, or

                       *   if you have failed at being a good friend.

If so, apologize to your friend and seek to make amends. Value your friendships enough to do your best to maintain them and develop them over time. 

CONCLUSION:

Remember, you can overcome the feelings of loneliness by creating bonds with fellow Believers. We must adopt scriptural values to grow and sustain closeness with God and with others.  

Always remain mindful that our own feelings can be deceptive to us. We simply do not have perfect perception, and especially so when we personally are involved. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to build your life upon the truth of God's Word and the consistent reliability of God's presence and power. Feelings come and go. God's love, forgiveness, and presence with us is eternal and reliable.

 

Jesus and Loneliness

 

GEN. 1:26–28; 2:18-25; JN. 14:15-26; 16:16-33

 

SUBJECT: DIVINE STRENGTH FOR THE EMOTIONAL CHALLENGE OF LONELINESS

THEME: You Can Overcome the Feelings of Loneliness by Accepting the Lord’s Strengthening Companionship by Faith.

RELEVANCE: Loneliness is one of the most excruciating feelings a person can ever have and one that nearly every person attempts to avoid at all costs. Yet, loneliness seems pervasive in our world today.   I have met hundreds of people through the years who have felt utterly alone, abandoned, isolated, ostracized, and thus, lonely.  However, we must embrace biblical principles on how to develop and maintain intimacy with God and with others. The truth is that God created us for closeness and togetherness. He intends us to be in touch with and comfortable with our spouse, children and certainly with other Christians. And most importantly God intends for us to be in touch with and close to Him.

INTRODUCTION:

I Clearly Remember a Few Times Thinking to Myself, I Have Nobody.

There were times when a feeling of utter loneliness would well up within me. It was a feeling that was somewhat familiar and that I still deal with at times.  Often, I am avoided and very much misunderstood by many people.  And sometimes those who dare to draw close are afraid to really open up and express themselves freely. They simply don’t feel safe and close.  I suppose they fear being judged or corrected by the me.

Don’t misunderstand, the loneliness I deal with occasionally is much less severe than that experienced by many people.  I do realize that I am not alone in my occasional occurrences of loneliness.  I have met hundreds of people through the years who have felt utterly alone, abandoned, isolated, ostracized, and thus, lonely.  This is what I have seen especially after living in military type communities for over 30 years. 

Loneliness seems to abound in every sector of life.

MESSAGE:

I.               But What Perspective Should We Have About Loneliness?

   A.   God Created Mankind for Companionship with Himself.

At the outset of the Bible, Genesis 1 through 3, we have a picture of the fellowship that God desires with human beings.

        1. He Created Us with a Capacity for Companionship.

He said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after  Our likeness” (Gen. 1:26).  His image is comprised of intellectual, emotional, and volitional characteristic which enables us to commune with God fluently.

        2.  God Obviously Desired Companionship with Mankind.

God displays an emotional capacity for companionship and a desire for it. Loneliness is not a desirable state, from God’s point of view. Adam and Eve walked and talked with God frequently. His voice in the cool of the evening was not strange to them (Gen. 3:8–9).

   B.  Often God Expressed His Desire to Share Life with His People.

Time and again throughout the Old Testament, we find the Lord reaching out to His people, revealing Himself to them, desiring to be with them and to communicate with them. In 1 Samuel 12:22 we find this promise of God: “For the Lord will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his people.”

   C.  God Provided for Adams Need for Human Companionship by Creating Eve.

Genesis 2:18, And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

        1.  God is Highly Motivated to Meet Our Relational Needs.

God here displays a desire to meet mankind’s social needs on a human scale.  It is clearly not His desire for man to be alone; instead, He designed us for community life and relationships with people.  The point of the narrative is that there was no helper who corresponded to man among the animals. 

        2.  God can Supply Relationships to Deliver Us from Loneliness.

Adam was thus alone until God met his need by creating Eve.  A special act of creation of the woman was necessary to alleviate the loneliness. 

        3.  The analogy has been often stated that "just as the rib is found at the side of the man and is attached to him, even so the good wife, the rib of her husband, stands at his side to be his helper-counterpart, and her soul is bound up with his" (Cassuto, p. 134).

Having established this premise, lets now explore the relationship Christ had with His disciples.

II. Jesus Cherished Companionship and So Should We. 

Jesus Experienced Both Loneliness and Friendship Throughout the Course of His Full and Active Life.  In the New Testament, we read how Jesus developed a very close relationship with a group of men we call apostles.  He enjoyed friendship and companionship with these men.  There is something that we can learn from this and apply to our own experiences.

A.  CHERISH YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD.

He was so concerned that disciples continue in their relationship with one another even after His crucifixion that He spent much of His last night with them talking about their need to remain one with each other, and to be as one with the Father. We read in the Gospel of John, what Jesus actually said.

   1.  Acknowledge Your Relationship with Christ by Faith.

John 14: 1-3, Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. [2] In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Here we sense a tenderness and a strange sort of peace. Strange, because Jesus’ life is now measured not by months or weeks but by hours.  Christ was leaving His disciples, but He left His promise to prepare a place and come again for them.  They would be separated for a while, but ultimately, we all as believers will spend eternity with Him in the Father’s House.  Jesus chose to spend the last hours on earth with His own. To His own—and to you and me:

         A.  Jesus Explains How to Practice the Presence of God.

         B.  Jesus Showed Us How to Know Intimate Fellowship with God.

   2. Acknowledge Your Relationship with the Comforter by Faith.  

 John 14:16-18, And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; [17] Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. [18] I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

By acknowledging these truths, we are confessing what God has already provided for us to experience his every presence in our lives.  By faith we must depend on this meaningful fellowship with the Lord.

        A.  We Have a Teacher of Truth.

The Spirit is identified as the “Spirit of Truth,” who will give insights to believers which are not available to people who do not belong to Jesus.

        B.  We Have the Presence of Christ.

As the Spirit teaches and brings to our minds the commandments of Christ, and as we obey, we will experience Jesus’ presence in our lives. Jesus promised: “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” (John 14:23).

        C.  We Have Freedom from Fear and Anxiety–Peace.

John 14:27, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Finally, we are told that through the Spirit’s presence we will find peace (Jn. 14:27). This peace is not the kind of peace the world offers; it is a peace that frees us from anxiety and fear, despite anything that may happen.

   3.  Acknowledge Your Relationship with Other Christians by Faith.

John 15:9, As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

The love which the Savior has for us is the same as the love of the Father for the Son.  We are called to have this same quality and degree of love for fellow believers.

         A.  Active Dependence.   John 15:9

A believer is motivated by the wonder of Jesus’ love, which is patterned after the Father’s love in its quality and extent. Continuing in Christ like love is a tall order! The motivation Jesus gives for their continuing was the strength of His own love for them. His love was so great for them that He was about to lay down His life.

Certainly, we must depend on the Lord to love on this level!

         B.  Loving Obedience.  John 15:9

John 15:12-13, This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. [13] Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Obedience is how we continue in Christ’s love– fellowship.  Remaining in His love might seem to be mystical but Jesus makes it very concrete.

                 1. An Obedient Love.  Obedience to the Father’s commands is the same for a disciple as it was for Jesus Christ the Son (Jn.14:15, 21, 23; 1 John 2:3; 3:22, 24; 5:3). Active dependence and loving obedience are the proper paths for all of God’s children.  All of this affords us a strong reason for continuing in His love.

                 2. An Unchanging Love.  Because the love which Jesus shows for us is unchanging.

Heb. 13:8, Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

We are challenged to be unchanging in the character and strength of our affections, just like He was in His.   This is the only way we can properly express our gratitude and thereby show that we are His true friends. At the same time, this will build meaningful fellowship with others and deliver from loneliness.  This unchanging love provides the foundation for the most transparent, open, intimate interaction with a Christian friend.

                 3.  A Best Friend Love.  (John 15:12-13).   It is the love of our best friend-love whose strength was expressed by sufferings, and groans, and bloodshed on a cross.  The example of Christ teaches us that everything he did was in commitment to His Father’s will.  Therefore, he remained in the constant enjoyment of the Father’s love.  Nothing ever came in to interrupt or mar that sweet sense of loving fellowship. 

                 4.  A Happy Love.  “There is no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”  Our happiness in relationships depends completely on our continuing in the love of Christ. We have no source of permanent joy but in that awesome love.  When lonely, we must recognize the opportunities we have to develop meaningful and rewarding friendships with other believers in our church.

APPLICATION: When we cultivate an obedient loving relationship with the Lord, we take a major step to overcome loneliness through fellowship with Him.  In addition, we eventually become the kind of person who can develop and sustain healthy relationships with others and especially fellow believers.

B.  DEPEND ON YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD FOR COMPANIONSHIP.

The close communion that the Lord desires and is willing to experience with us is something we can count on, even if everyone else abandons us.

  1.  Jesus Knew What it Was Like to Feel Alone.

Jesus knew this to be true in His own life. On the night He was arrested and tried—the trial that ended in His crucifixion—He said to His disciples, “Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone:” (John 16:32).

Can you hear the pain in that statement? Jesus knew what it was to feel lonely.

  2.  Jesus Knew How to Count on God’s Presence by Faith.

John 16:32, Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

     A.  Jesus Relied on the Presence of God When the Disciples Forsook Him.    

But then Jesus went on to say, “And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me” (John 16:32). Jesus knew what it was to be comforted by the presence of God even in the face of abandonment by friends. The presence and closeness with the Father were enough to sustain the Son of God amid His feelings of loneliness.

     B.  Jesus Relied on the Presence of God When the Nation Forsook Him.

Prophesies regarding the Lord’s crucifixion experience prior to the cross also bare testimony to the fact that Jesus relied on the presence of the Father when he was utterly and totally rejected and forsaken by friends and foes alike!

Isaiah 50:6-9, I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. [7] For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. [8] He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary? let him come near to me. [9] Behold, the Lord God will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.  (See also John 8:16; 8:29; 14:10-11)

   3.  You must Decide to Believe God and Not Your Feelings.

The evidence from the Lord Jesus experiences with lonely feelings drives us to conclude that we must make a decision. Weather to believe God or our emotions.  This may be difficult to grasp especially when we truly feel alone, but it is absolutely necessary in light of the clear testimony of scripture and the example of our Lord.

 APPLICATION:  The good news for every Christian is that Jesus Christ is our Friend of friends. He is with us always and He never changes, abandons us, or withdraws from us. We can trust Him always to be present so that we never are truly alone.  The next time you feel loneliness creeping into your life for whatever reason remind yourself of these precious promises concerning the never-ending presence of God and allow them to strengthen you as you believe the Word instead of your feelings.

 Remember Jesus said: “Matt. 28:20, . . .  Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.”

Romans 8:38-39, For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hebrews 13:5, Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Psalm 23:4, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Psalm 46:10-11, Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. [11] The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

   4. Paul Also Learned How to Depend upon the Presence of the Lord When He Felt Lonely.

At least three times (Acts 18:9-10; 23:11; 27:23-24), God gave Paul a timely word of encouragement. How gracious of God!  In each case Paul was facing some very difficult challenges to include feelings of isolation and loneliness.  But the Lord reassured him repeatedly of His presence and providence.

         A.  Paul’s Experience Illustrate God’s Ability to Lead Us to His People and His Churches for Companionship.

Acts 18:9-11, Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: [10] For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. [11] And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Apparently, the conversions of Crispus and other Corinthians (Acts 18:7-8), together with the development of a growing "house church" right next door to the synagogue, must have provoked great controversy and opposition.  Despite the dangers, no one would lay a hand on Paul -- he would not endure bodily harm during this period in Corinth.  As a result of this divine word of assurance, Paul spent eighteen months with the church in Corinth preaching and teaching.  In what had to be a most encouraging vision, Christ told Paul that he had many people in Corinth (18:9-10) and “I am with thee.”

APPLICATION: Sometimes we can feel alone or isolated, especially when we see wickedness all around us and when we are persecuted for our faith. Usually, however, there are others in the neighborhood or community who also follow Christ. Ask God to lead you to His local churches or to those who are on the verge of faith in Christ.

         B.  Paul’s Experience Illustrated God’s Ability to Provide Words of Encouragement During the Lonely Times.  Acts 23:10-11, And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle. [11] And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

On that frightening night, the Lord appeared to Paul and, “stood by him.”  Certainly, the Savior had always been with His servant Paul, but God knew that his faithful apostle needed him even closer that night.  We can sense the richness of the encouragement the Lord gave him. Christ told Paul to, “Be of good cheer” and then gave him the reasons why he should be encouraged.

                 1. Words of Praise from the Lord.

First, he gave Paul a word of praise for his faithfulness to the ministry -- just “as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem.”  The Lord commended Paul for being a good witness to the people of Jerusalem.

                 2. Words of Promise from the Lord.

Second, he gave Paul a word of promise -- “so must thou bear witness also at Rome.”  The Lord confirmed that Paul would survive the current threat and preach the Good News in Rome also. God, in essence, promised Paul safe passage to another field of ministry.

APPLICATION: Armed with these words of praise and promise from the Lord, the apostle could be freed from the threat of danger and perhaps the loneliness of suffering for Christ’s sake.  We might imagine that after this visit, another in a long line of God's encouragement appearances to Paul, the apostle rolled over and drifted off to the kind of restful sleep that only a child safe within his Father's strong arms can experience (Ps 127:2).  The blessing to us is that when we feel most along we can count on the clear promises of the Lord to ‘stand by us’ in the lonely hour.

         C.  Paul’s Experience Illustrate How God uses Us to Reach Out to Encourage Others During Frightening and Lonely Experiences.

Acts 27:20-25, And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. [21] But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. [22] And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. [23] For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, [24] Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. [25] Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

Here God sends a divine messenger and dispatches him to the rocking, leaking, creaking ship -- so as to soothe the troubled minds aboard. For us, encouragement may come in other, less dramatic, but equally meaningful ways: a phone call from a friend, a Bible verse, a needed hug, a note of encouragement, the meeting of a hidden need, the lyric of a song. If you're discouraged, ask God to give you some concrete reminder of his presence and promises. Then watch him act.   — (from The Life Application Commentary Series)

         D.  Paul’s Experience Illustrate How God Remains Close When Others Forsakes Us.

2 Tim. 4:14-18, Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: [15] Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. [16] At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. [17] Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. [18] And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

                  1. He Had Opposition from His Enemies.  Vs. 14-15

                  2. He Had Been Forsaken by His Friends.   Vs. 16

No one had come to speak in Paul's defense or to stand by in his support; everyone had deserted him (compare 1:15). Although sorely disappointed, Paul seemed to understand, for he hoped that this would not be held against them.  This spirit compares greatly with the Lord Jesus' words from the cross, Luke 23:34.

NOTE: Paul realized the fear the Christians were feeling; it had become extremely dangerous to be identified as a Christian in Rome. Emperor Nero had blamed the Christians for starting a great fire in Rome (A.D. 64). He had decreed that the Christians should be persecuted through torture and death as punishment. Three or four years later, when this letter was written, fear was still very present, causing Paul's fellow believers to be unwilling to defend him before the Roman authorities.

APPLICATION: We must be sharp to recognize our opportunities to reach out and touch in a supporting role.

Each believer has opportunities to encourage those Missionaries whom God has called to serve in lonely, isolated, or even dangerous areas on his behalf. We certainly can pray for them!  But there are also other significant ways we can support some of them. E-mail, letters, and telecommunications make it possible, for relatively little expense, to talk with almost anyone in the world. Have you ever called a missionary that your church supports? Have you ever written a letter? Are there books or other special items you could send? Have you ever asked how you could help rather than waiting to be asked?  This same observation can be applied to our Christian brethren who are deployed and unable to fellowship with other believers for extended periods.  There is much that we can do.

                  3. He Still Had the Lord Standing Faithfully Beside Him.  2 Tim. 4:17-18

Although no human being had come to support Paul at his hearing, the Lord had been with him. Paul had sensed both the presence and the power of Christ. Paul felt that he had been infused with divine strength. Christ had helped Paul not just for Paul's benefit alone. He had supplied Paul with spiritual power, wisdom, and preaching skills to carry the message of the gospel to the listening Gentiles in the far corners of the earth (Phil 1:12-14). Whatever would happen to Paul at his trial, Paul was confident that God's purposes would be fulfilled.

APPLICATION: With his mentor in prison and his church in turmoil, Timothy probably was not feeling very brave. Paul was saying to Timothy to continue to preach, and God would give him the courage to do so. God always gives us the strength to do what he has commanded. This strength may not be evident, however, until we step out in faith and actually begin doing the task. (See Mark 13:9-11 and Matt 10:17-19). 

CONCLUSION:

We Can Overcome the Feelings of Loneliness by Accepting the Lord’s Strengthening Companionship by Faith. We must embrace biblical principles to develop and maintain intimacy with God and with others. God created us for closeness and togetherness. He intends us to be in touch with and comfortable with other Christians. And most importantly God intends for us to be in touch with and close to Him.

Keep in mind always that our own feelings sometimes deceive us. None of us has perfect perception, and especially so when we personally are involved. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to build your life upon the truth of God's Word and the consistent reliability of God's presence and power. Feelings come and go. God's love, forgiveness, and presence with us is eternal and rock solid.