“I have become
like a bird alone on a roof.” Psalm 102:7
The US Department of Health and Human Services says loneliness is the new epidemic. If you are lonelier than ever, don’t beat yourself up too bad. Modern society seems to be scattering us geographically, isolating us with technology and hammering us with bad news that subtly leads us to fear our neighbor. But it’s not like you’re some log in a river, destined to drift downstream. You can take a risk and speak up. You can open up a little and talk with someone who might want to be closer to you anyway. “God sets the lonely in families…” Psalm 68:6. Pray and ask Him for a wise start.
Psalm 84, an ancient song written by the Sons of Korah talks about the “dwelling place” of God. The song reminds us we’re not alone spiritually. God is available for fellowship.
The lyrics begin, “How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD, my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”
We crave more than just time with people.
Using the Temple in Jerusalem as a physical example of God’s dwelling place, the song goes on to show that access to God’s Presence is wide open, even to the lowliest bird.
“Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young– a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you…Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.”
“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” Psalm 25:16
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18
Michael Kanai
Michael received an MA in Sociology from the University of Central Missouri. And an M-Div from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. 