These Nights are Numbered

I’m tired of going to bed alone.

I don’t mean that in a sexual sense, just that singleness seems synonymous with loneliness the most at bedtime.  I can fill the rest of my life with fulfilling relationships, but this is one area where that just won’t do.

The other night was one of those nights where I just can’t get myself to go to bed because it’s hard to remove all the distractions I use to keep from remembering I’m alone.  These nights aren’t that frequent, but when they happen, they’re overwhelming.

But Saturday I found hope in this:  These nights are numbered.  Of course, I’d like to think that they’re numbered because I’ll soon have a partner in life, but even if that’s not true (or never will be true), they are still numbered as my days on this earth are thankfully numbered.  One day, God will save me from this world (via His returning or my death) and there will be no more lonely nights, no more tears.

“And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” – Revelation 21:4, NASU

If you are a follower of Christ, you have the same hope.  Whatever misery you know or trial you are facing, these days are numbered.  That’s not the only hope…we also know that God will give us the grace to handle whatever situation we find ourselves in.  But sometimes, knowing that this too shall pass is a greater comfort.

If you’re not a believer in Jesus Christ, you are right to be hopeless.  I don’t mean that there isn’t any hope–God has/is offering you the same hope in Jesus Christ–but if you refuse this hope, life really is hopeless.

These nights will continue to be hard, but I’ll take heart in remembering that they are numbered.

Photo by Gord McKenna

16 Comments

  1. julie Says:

    thanks for sharing your heart…
    hugs to you and praying that God will bring you comfort until your hubby comes :)

  2. Carrie, Reading to Know Says:

    Beautiful post. Poignant truth!

  3. Amy @ My Friend Amy Says:

    there is something peculiarly lonely about night time. but true words, friend!

  4. Ronnica Says:

    Julie: Thank you!

  5. Amanda Says:

    I really liked this post.

  6. carol Says:

    Wonderful post. A good reminder for all of us, single or not.

  7. jennifer Says:

    Our preacher told the story of a man who had spent his entire life overseas as a missionary. He was traveling back home by ship and was amazed to hear a band playing as he arrived and crowds cheering. He was shocked and pleased. However, when the ship docked he realized that the president was on board and the greeting was for him.

    The missionary asked God “Why? When I come home why am I not greeted with joy like this? I have spent years serving you!”

    God whispered to his heart “You aren’t home yet.”

    Ronnica, this story gave me goosebumps. My friend, you are right. And we aren’t home yet.

  8. Vicki Says:

    Very nice. And very comforting.

  9. Ari Says:

    Sigh, I hear ya. Best wishes for you, and maybe to me too? I’m tired of being alone.

  10. TRS Says:

    Oh yes. Maybe that is why I stay up way too late at night. Going to bed is just a reminder that I am going to bed alone.

  11. Kayren Says:

    I liked the way you wrote this post.

  12. carma Says:

    enjoy your alone time; we’re busy fighting over sheets here ;-)

  13. Kathie Says:

    I didn’t get married until I was 31, but something I learned before I did was that having someone doesn’t mean you’ll never be lonely again. Another saying that is true, “the grass on the other side might be greener, but it needs mowed too”….enjoy being single, don’t wish it away or long for something else. Enjoy where you are on the way to where you are going. There are pros and cons to everything and every situation. Please don’t get me wrong, I love my husband, I just want you to know that there are good things about being single too and don’t think you won’t have moments of feeling lonely once you are married.

  14. lora Says:

    this is beautifully said. i definitely know how it feels…although i think it may be MORE lonely for me to go to bed these days, since i’m deeply madly in love with my boyfriend but we won’t be sharing a bed until marriage…somehow that promise of “what’s to come” is both exciting and utterly difficult!

  15. Ronnica Says:

    Kathie: I know that, yet I need to hear it again and again. It’s amazing what we set our sites on to give us contentment and fulfillment.

    Lora: I hope that wedding day comes soon, then!

  16. Henway Says:

    i think that a belief in impermanence can give you peace, but not in the sense of looking forward to the next life. Anytime you look forward to the future, you’re not living in the present. And that’s not the way to live, no matter if u believe in Jesus or not

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