This article was inspired by an online Bible study by one of our members, Dennis Craig. His lesson was titled Learning the Value of Solitude. It was a great help to our members who are observing the shelter in place guidelines from local and state government.
Bobby Vinton wrote a song in the late 1950’s after being drafted into the military. He spent two years serving domestically, and wrote Mr. Lonely which later became a number one hit when released in 1964. Here are the lyrics, which more accurately describe a soldier sent overseas.
Verse 1
Lonely, I’m Mr. Lonely
I have nobody for my own
I am so lonely, I’m Mr. Lonely
Wish I had someone to call on the phoneVerse 2
Letters, never a letter
I get no letters in the mail
I’ve been forgotten, yes, forgotten
Oh, how I wonder, how is it I failedChorus
Now I’m a soldier, a lonely soldier
Away from home through no wish of my own
That’s why I’m lonely, I’m Mr. Lonely
I wish that I could go back home
If interested, the song is worth a listen as it certainly has a sad and lonely sound.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djU4Lq_5EaM
Brother Craig, in his lesson, defined the term solitude. It is the state of being alone. He also rightly noted that the word doesn’t connote loneliness. In fact, Jesus often withdrew from crowds and even His disciples to be alone. Not lonely, just to be alone to pray, fast and recharge physically and spiritually.
Some of us enjoy solitude more than others. But, no one likes being lonely. The interesting thing about Vinton’s song is what the soldier says in the chorus, “Now I’m a soldier, a lonely soldier, away from home through no wish of my own.”
This describes how many feel today while observing the shelter in place requirements. Because we have no choice in the matter, we can feel cut off from support, social contact, and the company of our friends and family. In short, we can feel lonely!
Brother Craig made this important point: Though we may be by ourselves, we are never alone! As long as we do not turn away from God (cf. Isaiah 59:2), He will never separate Himself from us. Paul wrote, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5).
So, remember while in forced solitude, each of us has a Divine Companion in our Lord. Since God is with us, we are never alone!
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
“He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:6-8).
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'” (Hebrews 13:5-6).
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