Melanie Beeson serves as NCBAM’s southeast coastal regional director and as the statewide director for NCBAM’s One Hope outreach.

The following is excerpted from “One Hope: 30 Daily Devotions for Overcoming Loneliness”.
Learn more about NCBAM’s One Hope outreach at onehopencbam.org.

Recently, I found myself in a new, unforeseen season of life. I moved from my lifelong hometown where I had close family, a tight-knit friend group, and a church where I had actively served for over 30 years, to a new city 200 miles away.

I am blessed in many ways: a beautiful new home, a purposeful career, a supportive husband and family—just to name a few. While all of these things are fulfilling, I sometimes have empty and sad feelings that wash over me in unexpected moments. As I was thinking about writing this devotion to encourage those experiencing loneliness and isolation, it occurred to me that I am indeed feeling lonely and isolated!

Have you found yourself in a new, unanticipated season? As an aging adult, you may be facing changes you weren’t prepared for. Maybe you have relocated to be closer to adult children but left behind your church connection or friends. Maybe you are experiencing the loss of a spouse, family, or friends. Possibly, in retirement you have lost touch with coworkers. There are many changes in later life that can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

How do we overcome these circumstances and feelings of loneliness? In my own struggles with loneliness recently, I realized that not only have I stayed too busy to acknowledge my feelings, but I have neglected my relationship with Christ. Knowing that my hope is in Christ and that strengthening my relationship with Him would provide me more peace and contentment, regardless of my circumstances, I began to focus on spending more time with Him.

I start my day sipping a cup of freshly brewed coffee overlooking the peaceful canal in my backyard. I spend time reading devotions, studying Scripture, and praying for my situation and for the needs of others. Some verses that have been especially helpful in connecting with Jesus include reminders that there is a season and a purpose to everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1), that I am to trust in the Lord and not my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5), and that He has a plan for my good, listens when I pray, and is there when I seek Him (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

Although my current season was not in my plan, it is no surprise to Jesus. In spending time connecting with Him through Scripture and prayer, I am feeling comfort and peace that this season has a purpose to glorify Him. While I still feel lonely and disconnected from my longtime relationships at times, I am feeling closer in my walk with the Lord. My hope is that whatever season you find yourself in, you can use it to build a relationship with Christ and exalt Him.

For Reflection

1. 1. What changes have taken place in your life that have affected your relationships?
   2. How can you glorify Christ in your current season?

Action Steps

1. 1. Find a quiet, peaceful place in or around your home to spend time in daily devotion.
   2. List some verses that encourage you during your current season.