Being alone and being lonely are two different things. One can be alone without being lonely, and one can be lonely in a crowded room. Loneliness is, therefore, a state of mind, an emotion brought on by feelings of separation from other human beings. The sense of isolation is very deeply felt by those who are lonely. The Hebrew word translated “desolate” or “lonely” in the Old Testament means “one alone, only; one who is solitary, forsaken, wretched.” There is no deeper sadness that ever comes over the mind than the idea that we are alone in the world, that we do not have a friend, that no one cares for us, that no one is concerned about anything that might happen to us, that no one would care if we were to die or shed a tear over our grave. Sadness is either the direct or indirect result of sin, and, since we live in a fallen world, sin is a normal part of life (Psalm 90:10). The psalms are filled with David’s pouring out to G-d the sadness of his heart. Like David, we often feel that G-d has abandoned us in our times of sadness caused by those who reject and oppose us. “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your G-d. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. David rejoices in the mercy of G-d who forgives those who come to Him in repentance. David’s sorrow turns to multiplied blessing: “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Most of us have grown up on a merry-go-round of trying to please people so they wont reject us. We all have an inbred need to be loved. People usually love you based on your performance. If you do what they want you to do, they accept you; but if you dont, they reject you. However, if you are not sharing who you are, you are not truly with the people you love. On the other hand when you share your true self, you risk being rejected. Often individuals seek people out of the family unit with whom they can share themselves without fear of rejection. I would love to extend an olive branch to my mishpocha who are sadden, desolate / rejected and see if we can become friends with Torah Keepers. Shalom, Yosef
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 03:04:04 +0000
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