Dear Troy,<br><br><blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>[color:"blue"]Why do we, and how can we, feel alone and isolated while it is certain that we are not? </font><hr></blockquote><p><br><br>I can only try to answer that by sharing with you something of the way in which the Lord has led me. Having been saved as a young lad, I grew up in a church where there were a few elderly Christians but no one anywhere near my own age. So I know something about loneliness. I came to love reformed doctrine and strove to have a "correct" understanding of it. But it didn't answer my loneliness.<br><br>I moved to a large city, a live church and lots of Christian friends my own age. It was WONDERFUL. But it wasn't the answer to my loneliness.<br><br>I threw myself into the Lord's work, Sunday School, Youth Work, etc.etc. But that wasn't the answer.<br><br>I spent a lot of time with various unconverted friends, seeking opportunity to witness to them. But that wasn't the answer.<br><br>And now, many years later, I am back home, with no church and no Christian friends near. And I believe He is showing me the answer. I believe I am indwelt by the Holy Spirit.(Rom.8:9) but am far from being filled with Him (Eph:5.18), walking in Him (Gal 5:16) or having my heart so filled with His fruit that there is no room for the works of the flesh (Gal 5:17-26) He is teaching me, as Joe says in his reply, by prayer, walking in the Spirit, and the Word, how to deal with my deceitful heart (Jer 17:9), its treacherous sinful desires, and in His strength crucify the flesh. (Gal 5:24)<br><br>Now I am beginning to find that John 14 verses 15 - 21 and 23, have passed from "head knowledge" to "heart experience." And believe me when I say, He is dealing with my loneliness!<br>Yours in Him,<br>Brian.<br><br><br>