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I will not leave you or forsake you.
Joshua 1:5 (ESV)

And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.
Exodus 33:15 (ESV)

Are you concerned about being alone over Christmas? I hope you won’t have to be. Or if you must, I hope God gives you comfort and peace about it.

So many of the Old Testament heroes dealt with the challenge to be courageous on their own. Moses led God’s people out of Egypt. Joshua accepted the leadership of the Israelites after Moses had passed.

And in so many places in the Bible, God reminds those who are walking a lonely road, that He is with them.

“I will not leave you or forsake you.”
Joshua 1:5 ESV

Each time I’ve had to deal with a lonely situation as a widow, I’ve heard others encourage me that I’m never really alone–God is with me. I get that. And I believe it. I feel His love and presence, but I have to admit, when I’m struggling with that raw feeling of isolation, my flesh wants more! I want a companion to hug me and laugh with me and celebrate with me! God is here in spirit, but I’m here in the physical world, and while I feel Him, I’m left longing.

So what does that mean? Am I not trusting Him enough? I doubt that. I’ve got a strong confidence in Him and His plans for me.

I think about the flip side of it. If I had my husband with me. If all the friends and family in my life came and lifted my spirits for the moment on Christmas day, but I did not have the true presence of my Heavenly Father in my life, I’d be lost and unhappy.

Moses has a conversation about this with God in Exodus 33. Although God is mad at the Israelites for worshipping a golden calf, He wasn’t reneging on His promise to the Israelites–that He would protect them and deliver them to the promised land. But, He tells Moses that the people will enter the promised land without Him.

I love Moses’s response.

“If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.”
Exodus 33:15

Think about it. Moses would rather give up the worldly satisfaction and pleasure of being in the promised land if it meant being there without God’s presence in their lives.

That’s where I reconcile my longing for a worldly companion while being able to say my preference is God’s presence. I would rather give up having a worldly companion and being married if it meant having that companion without God’s presence in my life.

As you consider your options for the holidays, remember that you aren’t really alone. And while your flesh longs for that companionship with another person, know and be grateful that you have God’s presence and imagine the difficult lives some lead without God. Then pray. It’s okay to let God know you want companionship.

Here are some practical tips if you struggle with finding others to gather with on the holiday.

1. Ask God if it’s His Will
   Perhaps He’s allowing your solitude to grow you and bring you closer to Him. Can you be thankful for that and accept it and enjoy the day with Him? It is possible sister!
2. Consider Letting People Know
   Perhaps you are afraid it will look like you are pitiful. You’re not. Millions of Americans struggle finding a place to celebrate on a holiday. There is no shame to it! He makes you worthy! But how will people know to invite you if they’re not clear about your needs?
3. Consider Reaching Out to Others who are Alone
   If you are able to host a meal-try it! You might be surprised how it turns your whole holiday around! And imagine the blessing you will be to others who are alone!
4. Serve
   Contact your church or shelters and see what their needs are! You might even find that the churches are gathering folks like you together to meet each other and celebrate a holiday together.
5. Stay Connected to Your Sisters Here
   Many of our readers are in your boat. Stay on our page and encourage them. Together you form a cord of three or more strong because you are centered on Christ.

Lord, help my sister know You don’t want her to be alone forever. Help her know she is worthy. She can be an even bigger blessing to others because she knows the pain that others feel. Help her feel the power of Christ’s love within her veins. Amen.