Social research tells us that despite the proliferation of social media, people are lonelier than ever (For example, see this TED Talk). Do you ever feel alone? Abandoned? Without anyone you can really talk to?

The disciples of Jesus found a deep friendship in their relationship with Jesus. (That’s available to you too!)

However, the disciples were having a very difficult time. He had begun letting them know that He would be leaving them. In fact, He would be betrayed and killed. Imagine what the impact would be on you, if you had been living, ministering, and traveling with someone as closely as the disciples had done. They had put their hope in Him.

Recognizing that they were becoming heavy hearted, Jesus said to them, “Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me” (John 14:1 TLV). Later in the chapter, Jesus revealed another facet of His promises, giving them more reason to have hope, even in light of Him leaving. It was good news that would come true as a result of His resurrection:

Jesus was speaking of His Spirit, who would be given to them after He rose from the dead; the same Spirit promised to all who believe. As men and women who might sometimes feel alone, what encouragement can we take from these words?

• This new Helper is with us forever. We might as well make friends, because He’s committed for the long haul!
• The Spirit will dwell with us and be in us. What good news is that?! God Himself is accessible, available, and as close as our heart, hand or foot.
• Our God (the God of the universe!) has guaranteed that we will never be alone. While we forget these truths more than we’d like to admit, we are not orphans.

In a world where people sometimes leave us, God will never do so. That’s good news.