Nothing Can Separate Us - Your Daily Forward Devotional

Nothing Can Separate Us

April 15

Read Romans 8:37-39 (ESV)

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reflect

Have you experienced loneliness lately? Who or what do you turn to in an attempt to fill the void?

If you Google “loneliness epidemic” several articles will pop up. One from Harvard magazine said that the US Surgeon General declared loneliness an epidemic in 2017—yes, even before the pandemic! Cigna conducted a survey in 2019 that found that 61% of respondents are lonely which was up from 54% in 2018. And of course we know that the isolation from the pandemic the past 2 years probably didn’t improve those stats. Isn’t it interesting that our society has never had more opportunities for connection, even across the miles, and yet, we seem to be getting lonelier and lonelier every year?

Now, I don’t pretend to be an expert about all the factors leading to this increase in loneliness in our culture. But I do know that one significant problem is that many in our society are turning to all the wrong things and looking in all the wrong places to try to fill the void only God can fill.

In today’s verses, Paul reminded us of an important truth. No matter how lonely we are, we can never be separated from God’s love. He is the only One who will never forsake us. In Romans 8:35, just before today’s verses, Paul wrote: “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” The answer is that nothing will separate us. It doesn’t matter what we encounter in this life. He is always with us.

So what should we do when we are struggling with loneliness? Where should we turn? I suggest doing what King David modeled for us in the psalms. No matter what he was thinking or feeling, David turned to God in prayer and poured out his heart to Him. In Psalm 25:16, David expressed his feelings of isolation: “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” This kind of honest communication with God fosters an intimate relationship with Him. As James said, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8).

Another strategy to overcome loneliness is to remind yourself of the truth of His presence using Scripture. He is faithful. Always. Reading through the psalms is a great place to start. Psalm 23 is a comforting favorite of many. The picture of God as our shepherd, leading us through life, gives us so much peace. “...I will fear no evil for you are with me…” (v. 4).

I also love Psalm 139 because it reminds me of how He has been with me and known me intimately since the very beginning of my life, even in my mother’s womb (v.13). Read through the psalms and you’ll be reminded that God is with you and you can have a deep, intimate relationship with Him, just as the psalmists did.

Friends, when we are longing for companionship, we are often tempted to look around at the things of the world to fill the void. But they won’t satisfy us. They will let us down. They will leave us empty. But fullness of joy can be found in His presence (Psalm 16:11). When you are lonely, turn to the only One who can satisfy. And remember, nothing can separate you from His love.

Pray

God, I know that true joy, contentment, and companionship can only be found in You! Thank You for never leaving or forsaking me (Deut. 31:6, Hebrews 13:5). I know that nothing can ever separate me from Your love. Amen.

~ Pastor Nat Crawford

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