Every living thing on the face of the earth was wiped out; men and animals and the creatures that move along the ground and the birds of the air were wiped from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those with him in the ark. Genesis 7:23
I was talking to a friend last night about our mutual struggle with loneliness. No matter how many people I am around, no matter how much attention I have received, I just can't seem to shake it. There seems to be a pervading sense of loneliness that is buried deeply within my spirit.
My loneliness, however, pales in comparison to what I'm sure Noah and his family felt deep inside a dark, damp ark filled with animals. Everything outside the ark was gone. The only air-breathing, living creatures were inside. How lonely it must have felt to realize you are all that is left. Noah was a remnant; he was the hope for mankind. But I'm sure the blessing didn't come without pain.
Lord, help me to be one who brings hope for mankind. Too many live as if You do not exist, and the Day will come when those outside the ark (a new ark - a new covenant established by Your Son) will perish. How sad that day will be for those outside - and inside. Will we look back and ask, "How many more could we have brought with us?"
Spirit, help me to embrace this sense of loneliness as a reminder of the greatest task of all - to reach the world for Christ. Noah's only hope was you, Lord.
Be my only hope today.