The Editor: 31 March 2020

Today I decided that my state-sanctioned single unit of exercise would be a lengthy walk and a catch up with somebody on the phone. Quite unexpectedly, this led to a renewed wonder at the promises of God.

After the working day, at around six o’clock, I set off up a local path with the idea that I’d phone somebody to see how they are.

Maybe I could phone an old member of the congregation who will be lonely? His phone rang out. Maybe I could phone my sister, whose hectic schedule usually keeps her from idle conversations? As predicted her phone rang out too.

As the minutes passed by I racked my brain wondering who would be available for a conversation. ‘This friend will be sorting the kids out’, I thought. ‘I’ve not spoken to this guy in months, a call out of the blue would be weird’.

Gradually I realised that nobody would be free given the time of day. Most people would be busy eating their tea. Crisis or not, the normal rhythms of life go on. 

As I trudged on up the path I even wondered if I could strike up a conversation with a dog walker. But that might put me at risk of arrest. Apparently you’re not meant to get within two metres of another person.

Suddenly, a thought hit me – like a sledgehammer: ‘There is friend who’s available. He’s free all the time!’

Jesus.

It may sound cliche but in that moment that truth struck me like it hadn’t done for months – we, as Christians, can speak to God at any time, in any place and he will hear. 

Jesus is never busy making tea. He’s never away from his desk. He’s there, and he’s listening. And more than that he cares! Even the best friend or family member in the world will tire of our conversation at times, bogged down by their own stresses and responsibilities. But Jesus wants to hear our struggles, our concerns, our joys and will intercede for us at the right hand of God.

I spent the rest of my walk thanking God for this great privilege. That I, a mere mortal, can access the throne room of almighty God at any time and he has promised to hear my petitions.

Christian, if you’re lonely just now remember this truth. Take your loneliness to the Lord in prayer. God delights to hear you. His phone lines are open 24/7 and he has promised to give you a peace that passes understanding if you will simply cast your burdens on him.

Here are some wonderful passages of scripture to encourage you:

Philippians 4:6-7: “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Psalm 145:18: “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”

1 John 5:14: “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”