Psalm 25:16 - Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. (NIV)

When Mr. Tumnus, one of our miniature goats, died, his mother, Lucy, was inconsolable. Within weeks, all excess flesh dropped from her bones. Her coat became dull and dry. Her heart-wrenching cries found no comfort. Her son was gone. She was without family. We worried that she would not last long once the cruel winds of winter blew. Thus we made a decision.

The day the twin kids, Annie and Rosie, arrived, Lucy was moping about her yard when the little red car pulled up. As the door opened, one of the twins within softly bleated. Lucy's ears pricked up, and she made a mad dash for the vehicle, where she came face-to-face with the new babies.

This was the moment. Would she accept them as her new family or turn away from the gift being offered?

Loneliness, like a black hole, can well up and imprison us, too, when we lose those with whom we are close. It mocks us, wanting us to believe that no one, not even God, cares. It seeks to convince us that things will never be okay again. Yet God makes it clear that He is aware of our situation and is working on our behalf:

Psalm 68:6 - God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing. (NIV)

Today, Lucy, Annie, and Rosie are a close-knit threesome. Things aren't the same as they once were, but they are still good -- very good, in fact. Lucy's loneliness has been filled up with love.

Today, if you are lonely, do not fear; do not lose heart. God is at work. In His perfect time and way, He will set you, too, in a family, if you will let Him -- in a family of love that shall fill you to overflowing.

Prayer: Father God, how good it is to know that we are always in Your thoughts and that You are always working on our behalf. Thank You for families. Thank You that You set the lonely in families. Encourage and lift up those this day who patiently wait and watch in hope for the family You are preparing for them. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

Lynne Phipps lynnephipps@hotmail.com
Atlin, British Columbia, Canada