If Anyone Is Thirsty

Deep down inside of every one of us exists a terrible fear of being alone. Every corner of our society reflects our deepest desires of wanting to be wanted. Social networks collect and count how many friends we have so we can feel maybe a little less lonely. TV, music, the internet, commercial ads, videos, billboards, magazines, and so much else reminds us of how badly we need to find someone, somewhere, somehow. This nonsense has even gone so far as to drive men to invent an automatic system to try to 'match' people together. "Surely the internet will help me find my destiny". Can you say DESPERATE? Let's admit, in fact, that you can't deny it. But can you deal with it? Can you face your biggest fear?

Imagine watching the scariest scene of the worst horror film in broad daylight with lots of people around. Wouldn't be very scary, would it? Not even close. Doggone Daylight totally ruins any good horror flick. So does having lots of people around (unless they are zombies or something). When we were kids being in alone in a dark forest was something to avoid at all possible costs. At least it was for me. I don't know how I knew it, but surely there was something near by that was going to try to attack me and probably eat me. So, the answer was to have my little brother come with me and walk just in front of me. I was certain he looked tastier than I (nice guy, huh?).

Excuse me, you sorry looking dead thing, What are you doing??

you doing?

I was supposed to sneek up in the dark and scare you.. but... uhhhh...

this is awkward.

Yes, yes it is.

Can we turn the lights of and see if maybe that helps???

THE SUNS OUT, STUPID!

Darn it!

Now a days we don't spend much time wondering alone in the words. If we do, we kind of realize there is nothing to be afraid of (just aviod anyone with a chainsaw). It's one of those cool things about growing up. Seeing the truth and reality elimantes the fear. But now we deal with a different type of fear. It's not a forest at all. Maybe it's much larger place called, the world. A very cruel and dark world with nowhere to turn. Deep down within there is a voice that cries "I'm lost. I need help." But no one can know this. We have to act cool and together. Just like I did, when trying to convince my little brother there was nothing HE should be afraid of but really, I was terrified. Besides we quickly realize there is nobody to listen to us and really, nobody cares.

We all know what it is like to be dropped into the middle of a situation and forced to face the lonely darkness called life. At times it can be unbearable. So most people go to great lengths to surround themselves with everyone and anyone possible. Being accepted is not an option, it's vital. This forces you to do things you would never do and say things you would never say. Eventually after some number of months, maybe years, you are no longer you. You’re "them"; A mere reflection of what you think people want you to be. This fatal decision to just 'go along' is devastating beyond what one can comprehend. I have seen people loose all sense of personality and individuality. Even the "free thinkers" of today are exactly like all other "free thinkers". The "rebels" are extacly like the rest of the "rebels". Everyone, everywhere falls into the predetermined mold of whatever it is “they” want them to be. Having visited every State in the U.S. and countries all over the world, it is shocking and really, downright scary, to see the rampant indifference. People robotically recycle the same ideas and thinking from California to Florida to Maine to Washington and across the planet. Especially when faced with the gospel of Jesus. Thousands, or rather hundreds of thousands, of people repeat the same heart throb word for word yet insist they are different. I'm sorry, but not a chance. However, alternative is not an option for most people. ...Being alone. *gasp*

True "free thought" means that you are free from any outside influence. Try to imagine yourself not caring at all about what those around you think? It would be quite awesome, no?

everyday we choose who we are.

My challenge to you is to go beyond the darkness, the fear of being alone. Beyond the unknown to find the Light amidst the insanity. This world is a crazy and confusing place. It can be like trying to run though a dense forest in the dead of night. Jesus says, “I am the Light of the world" (John 8:12). I dare you to take solitude for a test run. Spend some quality time all alone, with nothing else to do. No Gameboy, PSP, cell phone, Facebook, iPod. Nothing. Turn it all off and see what happens. Can you stand it? For how long? Now, go a step further, let your mind wander to deeper things. Are you are afraid of being alone? Are you too afraid of the dark? You will see that there is a deep pull within you to instantly go and find something to fill your every moment. Maybe it is a person or job or project that will constantly invade your vulnerable mind. But you have to find a way to turn it all off. It will take time and practice but I guarantee you it will be worth it. What if something amazing could happen? What if what the darkness could become light? What if the Son could rise right now in your life like never before?

Start talking. Yes, like someone insane. But not to yourself and no drooling. Talk to Jesus. You and Him. (I love distance running becuase it gives me plenty of time to do this.) Who is He and what does He want from you? You say you have done this, or at least think you could do so easily, but I doubt it. It is very difficult and requires someone who is resolute. Silence is an art. Solitude is a fortress. Fellowship is magnificent (Ps.62:1, Is.26:3-5, Read Lamentations 3:25-29 John14:23, 15-1-8).

It is written: "...Cursed is the man who trusts in man...", "...Come out from their midst and be separate.." "...Friendship with the world is hatred toward God..." and "...Have nothing to do with these types of people." (Jer.17:5, 2Cor.6:17, Jm.4:4, 2Tim.3:5).

Yet todays "Christians" will go to their grave arguing "church" attendance simply because they don't want to seek God all alone.

People will rashly dive into a relationship to avoid the horror of loneliness. But like diving into a swimming pool with no water, they find they are still alone and now also very hurt.

People will spend their entire life working a mundane job, living in the same house, all their lives because they are unwilling to break from the majority.

I beg you; don't be one of those people. Don't be a slave to majority. Get alone now before you lose your heart. You're not going to instantly shrivel up and die, I promise you. You can do it, God can enable you (Mark10:27)! It would be easy to blow this all off and say "oh, sure, there are lot's of people like this, but not me". But what about you? You have nothing to loose to start to seek that time all alone. Get by yourself as often as you can for as long as you can. Begin to think about the deeper things of life. Begin to seek Jesus (Matthew 7:7).

I have heard "Christians" say "I am never alone because God is with me". It sounds poetic but obviously has no reality to them. Look at their lives, everything depends on someone else. They have no resolution in being set apart for Jesus. But this simple statement could be true for you. Jesus really could become your friend in a very real and practical way (John 15:15). I stand with King David as he says "I will wait in silence for God alone..." (Ps.62:1). I have seen the amazing power of being alone and seeking Jesus. I personaly bear witness to His ability to meet me and speak to me.

There is a reward in solitude, a promise for better things. As crazy as it sounds, it is obsession with ourselves that keeps us from ever finding what we so desperately need, LOVE. Finding a girlfriend, or boyfriend is not the answer! Marraige today is two selfish people looking for the other to love them but this does not work for very long. The romantic dream POPS and becomes a real life nightmare very quickly. Getting married is not your purpose in life. God has something greater for you if would seek Him (Is.33:3). If you get married, odd are, it will ruin your life. Believe it or not, being married will not get rid of your lonliness. Because lonliness is a result of sin, not the lack of marriage. (Take the time to read: Matthew 19:10ff & 1 Corinthians 7:8, 20, 27 & 32 also: Ecclesiastes 7:26 & Proverbs 21:9 & 25:24 ). Odds are you will live your whole life without finding this solitude. There is so much against us growing up in this day and age. Odds are you'll be one more percentage in Americas 75% divorce rate. Odds are against you and the chips are stacked pretty high that you won't make it. Your only hope is 'go it alone' (Read: Luke 14:26). Not like some monk living on a remote mountain. Obviously, that’s neither realistic nor profitable. I'm talking about a choice, deep down, not to let anyone else determine YOUR future. If you do not become resolute all alone, you will fall! Please, my friend, seriously consider what you have just read. YOUR LIFE IS IN YOU HANDS! Don't let anyone steal it from you. If you do not find the Light you will remain in the darkness (Ephesians 5:14).

"...Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you..." (John12:35).