In our lives, we bristle against loneliness. We avoid it at any and all costs. Yet, many of us are experiencing soul weariness. In Psalm 84, the sons of Korah, who wrote this Psalm, link our soul weariness to our ache for God. “My soul yearns, even faints for he courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Psalm 84:1-2).

I remember a few years ago, during a heavy season of travel and ministry, collapsing on my hotel bed and having a rather bizarre thought, “I’m lonely”. After thinking about that I almost giggled out loud reflecting, “How on earth can I feel lonely when I’ve been with people non-stop?” That’s when it hit me! An ah-ha moment, “I’m lonely for God”! I had been pushing hard and I needed time to sink into God’s presence and simply be at home with Him. He is my heart’s true home and I needed the soul refreshment that comes only from enjoying His presence.

In our fast paced, over caffeinated, non-stop culture, we need refreshment and renewal. In order for that to happen we must embrace our loneliness and recognize it as a divine signal inviting us to our heart’s true home – God. There in His presence we can relax, re-group, rest and simply be loved.

All of this may sound ethereal to you. How do you incorporate time with God when there’s so much pressure from our society to perform and accomplish? It’s not as difficult as you think. You could read a psalm or take a walk and talk with God. Or you might read one of the stories of Jesus found in the gospels and imagine what it was like to be there with Him. When I’m exhausted, I’ve found praise music especially helpful. I simply put in my head-phones and tune out the rest of the world. As I listen to the music, my faith is strengthened and my spirit refreshed thinking about God’s goodness and grace.

This week, when you feel lonely, take a few moments to snuggle down in His presence. Create the space to be with Him unhurried, un-pressured and understanding that He alone can satisfy the deepest longing of your heart. Recognize that the ache you are feeling is a gift from God calling you back to Himself.

Question: How do you best experience God’s presence when you need renewal? What would need to change in your life for you to feel “at home” with God? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment.