WHAT A FRIEND I'VE FOUND

The best cure for loneliness is developing an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. --Anonymous 

1Tim 4:16 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. 17 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.

Paul is reminiscent here of a time when his stand for Jesus left him standing alone. However, he was not lonely because Jesus did not leave his side. His visible friends had abandoned him because of persecution. 
I am so glad to know that there is a friend that sticks closer by me than any friend or brother could. Jesus is that friend that walks in when all the other friends walk out on you! He has always been close by my side in my darkest hours of testing and trial.

 
There is no one that will fill your lonely heart like Jesus Christ! I can remember the absolute worst feeling that I have ever experienced: it was loneliness, hands down. Family, friends, nor even fiancee, could take the nightmarish feeling of loneliness from my heart. Christ presence was not felt, even though His presence was near. 

When Jesus opened my eyes to His unconditional love for me on February 22, 1980, I begged His forgiveness for the way I had lived my life for 7 years. Jesus presence absolutely flooded my empty soul. Joy drove out the bitter loneliness! In thirty-one and a half years, I have never felt that lonely feeling again!
I believe I know by experience, the same joy that Paul knew when he said "rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!" (Php. 4:8 written from the Philippian prison, a solitary hole in the ground.) 

If you are lonely, just call on Jesus with a sincere heart. He will come rushing into your lonely life and fill your heart with unspeakable joy! 

Do you know this King and Lord of the Universe that longs to be your Friend?

Every blessing!

Tom