Alone
A couple of years ago, my husband and I were introduced to a reality TV show called “Alone”. While on vacation with family, we all binged watched season 6. It was fascinating. The premise of the show is that a group people are positioned at various locations within a few miles of each other in some remote unforgiving part of the world. The last one standing wins a cash prize. Season 6 was ten people dropped in the Arctic with a cash prize of $1,000,000.
We watched each participant’s challenges and successes along with the emotions of sadness, excitement and loneliness. We listened to their thoughts and feelings that they shared with the viewing audience. We witnessed their continual quest for a warm shelter and sufficient food with varied nutrients. Ultimately one man took home the prize money as other participants “tapped out” due to illness, starvation and loneliness.
As the season progressed, it was evident how much the aspect of being alone plagued the contestants. They all experienced a varying degree of sadness and laments over missing their spouses, children, friends and various other family members.
We witnessed each one of their journeys and noticed that not a one of them turned to God for comfort, peace or support. Occasionally they would thank Him if they were blessed with warmth or food or other good fortune. They would talk of being on a spiritual journey, but in their pain and during their struggles God was not a point of focus.
Having never spent any amount of time in the wilderness alone, I can not relate to the feelings they experienced. What I do know is that I would not be alone. Yes, I would be separated from family and friends, but I would not be alone.
God has promised He will never leave us, we will never be alone. He desires to be with us. We are encouraged to be strong as we have this promise:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
What a comfort it is that we do not need to fear anything because God is with us and will never leave us.
Another thing that became evident during the “Alone” season was that over and over again the end goal of $1,000,000 was considered, pondered and highly valued. Thoughts included various scenarios as to how their lives would be changed in great ways. In most cases it was how they would pay off credit cards, buy a house or pay for things for themselves or their families. This lead to the contemplation again and again as to how they could not let their families down by failing. Sadly, this would be the outcome for 9 of the 10 people dropped in that wilderness.
I can’t help but think of God’s words that He would share with these 10 people. His input would be found in Hebrews 13:5 where we are told that the things of this earth are not what’s important:
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ “.
I am quite convinced that if I landed in the wilderness of the Arctic, I’d tap out very quickly…like in the first 15 minutes after the boat left the shore! I am admittedly a creature of comfort with no available wilderness survive skills! What I am also convinced of is that if forced to stay I would never alone knowing God was to be with me and is with me no matter were I go. I am grateful for these assurances from God that we can all treasure.
Do you feel alone? Need someone to talk to and learn more about God’s desire to be with you? Text “I am alone” to 410-936-4252.
JW