awake & free: You are not alone. {Maggie}

This concept is what has been running around in my heart the past few weeks. I’ve heard this one song over and over on the radio called “Never Once”. It has definitely been reminding me of God’s constant presence in my life. Through every long and lonely day, He is always there, and He. Desires. You. Two verses from the song…

Love it. God is faithful, and He will never leave us to fend for ourselves. Summertime is always weird for me. The environment I have comfortably adjusted to for the past 9 months is dramatically changed within just a few days. The people I’m usually surrounded by have gone home for summer to work or travel, classes have stopped, and I’m not near any of the community I’m used to having. Each summer after college I’ve had to make that transition, and this summer it’s hit me even harder that I yearn for other people’s company and thrive when I am surrounded by people who love me. Some of you might be feeling the same loneliness while you are home. Being an amniovert (both introvert and extrovert, it’s a new concept…) There will be times when I feel like I am going to go crazy because of how alone I feel, yet feeling exhausted when I would find a big group to hang out with. Know that you aren’t ever actually alone, Jesus is with you, and wants you to spend time with Him! He is jealous for you. He loves you and LOVES when you give Him your time.

While raising support this summer, I’ve noticed I have more time on my hands now that all my students (you guys!) have gone home. For the first week of the summer I followed my roommate around and begged her to let me help with anything that had to do with being around people. I was a volunteer for most senior week events, and loved it. But I also realized that I actually needed time alone to rejuvenate with Jesus, and just be quiet. I’m bad at that whole being still and listening thing. I’m all about go, go, go what can I do next? When is the next thing happening? Who wants to hang out with me? Other more negative questions run through my head when I am alone such as: Why hasn’t someone asked me to hang out? Do I actually have any friends? Am I not good enough to hang out with that one group? These are LIES. Satan will pick and prod at every insecurity you have and use it against you to speak lies to your heart that you aren’t good enough, wanted or loved by others. Run to Jesus when this happens. Do things that bring you joy!

A few weeks ago, I literally wrote out a list of activities that bring joy and life to my soul, then I proceeded to do some of them! I was amazed at the end of the day that even though I was by myself the whole time, I had such a great day. God has given you passions and desires for a reason. It is a way to connect with Him! I love thinking of simple pleasures that make me smile too. Like Brooke wrote about a few weeks ago…you have to fight for joy. It’s not just something that comes to you. The next time you feel sad because you are home alone on a Friday night…like me the other day woops…I challenge you to do something that gives you joy and life. For me it was playing guitar and being outside. You don’t have to sit and wallow- dance! Dance for Jesus, play volleyball for Jesus, paint, run, sing, laugh for Him! Joy comes from the Lord.

“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me."