DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I'm an old man now, and for me the worst part of getting old has been loneliness. My wife has passed away, none of our children live nearby, and when I go to church, almost no one talks to me. I don't have a question, but maybe you can encourage people to pay more attention to those who are older.
-- M.R.
DEAR M.R.: Thank you for your letter, and I certainly can sympathize with your concerns. As friends or loved ones pass away and our health limits our contact with others, it's easy to feel isolated and lonely. We even may be tempted to say with the psalmist, "No one is concerned for me ... no one cares for my life" (Psalm 142:4).
But it doesn't need to be this way! For one thing, we can reach out to others and make new friends. In your letter you mention that almost no one speaks to you at church, but what's to prevent you from taking the initiative and speaking to them? Some may be just as lonely as you, and even a few words of friendship will encourage them and cheer their day. Ask God to make you a blessing to others.
But the most important thing I can tell you is that we are never alone when we know Christ. God loves you just as much now as He did 50 years ago, and He is with you every moment of the day. God's promise is true: "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you" (Isaiah 46:4).
Make prayer and the promises of God's Word part of your life every day. Above all, never forget that someday soon you'll never be lonely again, for you will be with Christ in heaven forever.
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at
billygraham.org
ActiveStyle on 08/03/2015