Be diligent to come to me quickly; for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words. At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! 

—2 Timothy 4:9-18

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Solace in Solitude

By Jennifer Kane.

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In a room where shadows softly play,

Light’s gentle glow keeps fears at bay,

The hush of evening whispers near,

And solitude with Christ draws clear.

The sky outside, a canvas of grace,

Blues and purples in night’s embrace,

Clouds veil stars in a tender shroud,

Yet His presence speaks, still and loud.

On a sofa, my soul finds rest,

In quiet peace, my heart is blessed,

No loneliness within this space,

But joy in Jesus’ warm embrace.

With gratitude, I lift my prayer,

For love that meets me everywhere,

In solitude, His voice I hear,

A calming truth that draws me near.

Though trials come and shadows loom,

His peace dispels the darkest gloom,

In stillness, I feel His strength impart,

A steadying hand upon my heart.

With Him, my soul finds sweetest reprieve,

In every moment, I believe,

Guided by His light so true,

He leads me through and makes me new.

In this retreat, where we commune,

My spirit sings a sacred tune,

Gratitude and trust, my soul’s refrain,

In Jesus’ love, all peace remains.

As night enfolds, I rest secure,

His presence makes my solace sure,

In solitude with Christ, I stay,

And find His comfort night and day.

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Scriptures: 2 Timothy 4:9-18, Proverbs 18:24

Loneliness and solitude are often mistaken as the same, but their effects on the soul are worlds apart. Loneliness isolates, leaving us longing for connection. Solitude, however, becomes a sanctuary of peace when we seek God’s presence.

In 2 Timothy 4, Paul shares a vulnerable moment of feeling abandoned. Even his closest companions had left, with only Luke by his side. Yet, Paul’s response is a powerful reminder to shift our focus from who has left to the One who always stays. “The Lord stood at my side and gave me strength,” Paul writes, turning his isolation into an opportunity to glorify God.

The distinction between loneliness and solitude lies in where we turn when we feel alone. Loneliness focuses on absence, but solitude rests in the presence of God. In solitude, we find courage, renewal, and strength—just as Paul did.

The human heart craves meaningful connection. Proverbs 18:24 reminds us, “A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” True connection isn’t about the quantity of relationships but their depth. Even when others fail us, Jesus is the Friend who never leaves.

Take a moment to pause and reflect: How have I invited God into my moments of solitude recently? Have I made space to feel His strength and peace?

We can combat loneliness by deepening our relationships—with God and with others. Ask yourself: Have I shared my real struggles and joys with someone this week? Have I reached out to someone who might need connection?

Take a step toward meaningful connection. Reach out to a friend or family member and have an honest conversation. Share something real about your life, and ask about theirs. Spend 15 minutes in solitude with God—pray, read Scripture, or simply be still in His presence. Remember, loneliness diminishes when we deepen our relationship with Jesus and foster intentional relationships with others.

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Father God, thank You for being my faithful Friend when I feel alone. In Your presence, I find rest and renewal. Help me to not only rest in Your love but to share it. Use me as a vessel of Your light, bringing comfort to those who feel alone. Guide me as I build meaningful connections with those You’ve placed in my life. Let Your love flow through me, so that others may see Your light and draw near. I know I am never truly alone, for You walk with me, listen to my heart, and comfort me with Your Spirit. Thank You, Lord, for being my constant companion, for the grace that sustains me, and for the hope that renews my soul. In Jesus’ name, amen.

December 10, 2024