Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
READ: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5
"Distance makes the heart grow fonder."
Have you ever heard this? Do you buy it? It's usually something a well-meaning person who is currently not distant from their loved ones might say to try to make you feel better.
Maybe you are missing your family because you've gone off to college. Or perhaps you temporarily have to be states away from a friend. There may even be times you'd like to test this principle when you're getting irritated with your family or roommates.
Loneliness really stinks. Paul, in his letter, was not feeling very good about his separation from his new-found friends in Thessalonia. He even describes it as an "intense longing" to see them again soon. Paul knew that these were baby Christians in the faith. He knew that they were vulnerable. And he couldn't be there with them to protect them, direct them and help them. Paul was put in a pretty powerless position. Even though he tried to get to visit them in Thessalonia, he was unable to.
If you are far away from a loved one right now, for whatever reason, you may also be feeling some worry ("I hope my boyfriend doesn't find someone else"), longing ("If only I could taste some of my mom's home cooking") or just sadness. Like Paul, you may be powerless but remember that you can always take those feelings of worry, loneliness, fear or whatever to God and He will take you just as you are. He may not change your situation in a minute, you may be disappointed, but God does promise to be with you in this and get you through it.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: What are the benefits to physical separation from someone? What are the drawbacks?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Thank God for promising to never leave or forsake you. Ask God to comfort you in times of separation from loved ones and to keep them safe.