This time of the year is when we think of being surrounded by people. However, there are plenty of people who are alone and who feel alone. For various reasons, these folks are by themselves.

Loneliness is a common theme in the Bible. Much of the time, such biblical accounts of loneliness lead to hearing about God’s faithfulness.

I’ve been writing about Elisha for the past two weeks and now I’m going to totally confuse you and take you back to Elisha’s friend and predecessor, Elijah.

Now you can see why these guys get mixed up in the minds of people from time to time.

Elijah was a mighty prophet.  The entire nation of Israel had pretty much rejected God, and so this guy running around preaching was not the most popular. Nobody was giving him the time of day or listening to his message, even though he was obviously concerned for them.  

Some folks were so worried about his preaching messing up their lives (much like Elisha encountered later on), that they were out to get him. In fact, even Queen Jezebel threatened his life, prompting Elijah to run and hide.  

He ended up in a cave.

Now you all know what a cave is like. Sometimes cavernous and hollow. Sometimes cramped and uncomfortable. Sometimes cold and damp. Sometimes, oftentimes, desolate. Bleak. Dismal.

Lonely.

Elijah didn’t think anyone shared his beliefs. He had spent countless hours working on his ministry, trying to get folks to see it his way. People didn’t support him.

At one point, Elijah felt so depressed that he may have entertained the thought of giving up.  Even so, he still followed the Lord. 

And the word of the Lord came to him. Elijah heard from God. In his mind? In his heart? Both?  An audible voice?

He heard from God.  That’s all we need to know.

Here’s the Mark Tullis translation of the next scene from the Bible:

God: What are you doing here, Elijah?

Elijah: I’ve worked hard, and your people still reject what I’m trying to get across to them. They’ve torn things up, killed prophets. I’m the only one left. I feel alone. But I know you are with me, Lord.

God: Follow my instructions.

God told Elijah to go out and stand on the mountain in His presence. There was a wind that tore open mountains and shattered rocks. There was a mighty earthquake, there was fire.  After the fire, God spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper.  

Basically, God reminded Elijah of His power and reminded him that He had always been there.

The important thing to remember is this: even in his most despairing moments of excruciating loneliness, Elijah still worshiped and turned to God.  

No matter how we feel, or how difficult things seem, God never leaves us.  He is with us in the darkest, most lonely times and places. God is always listening.

After that, Elijah, with a renewed sense of purpose and feeling better, went out and met the friend who would become his companion and pupil.

That’s right, Elisha.

He never leaves us.  He’s always listening.

It’s worth repeating so that it sinks in.