Second Timothy is considered Paul’s last letter. He writes from prison and gives his disciple, Timothy, some final instruction. As I read through the letter though, I can’t help but notice his deep loneliness. You can feel it. He has fought the good fight, he has finished the race. And now, instead of being surrounded by loyal disciples and loving friends, he is feeling alone.
When I experience periods of loneliness I wonder what I did wrong. Maybe there’s something I need to change. Loneliness can be a matter of circumstance, being alone. It can also occur when feeling isolated, for whatever reason, in the midst of a crowd. It’s easy to think that God alone should be enough, but we are made for intimate relationship with each other. Even Jesus experienced deep loneliness, especially the last week of his life. So just being more spiritual, whatever that means, isn’t the answer.
Paul’s imprisonment leaves him alone with only Luke by his side. His community, his family, is still in Ephesus, along with Timothy who is carrying on the ministry. Paul knew he was in the right place, as were his fellow coworkers. But he was still lonely. Always the rabbi, I think Paul gives an example of what do in the midst of it. How did this spiritually mature servant handle his loneliness?
He asked for community. “Come quickly” he says. And elsewhere, “Do your best to get here before winter.” Paul urgently wants Timothy, whom he loves like a son, at his side during this last chapter of his life. He even says to bring Mark, whose rocky relationship with him seems to have been repaired or at least put in perspective.
He requested his cloak be brought to him. He sought comfort and acknowledged his physical needs. This is the guy who, in the quest for obedience, walked several continents, was shipwrecked, stoned, flogged and beaten. He wasn’t in search of a soft life. He was realistic and cared for his body while his heart was hurting.
Even in prison, at the end of his life, he longed for his scrolls. His books would be a welcome distraction, but also an opportunity for continued growth. And he would find comfort in the scriptures they contained.
Finally, he continued to invest in Timothy, right up to the end. He gave him counsel, fatherly relationship, and encouragement in the ministry that would last long after Paul was gone.
When I find myself with feelings of loneliness, I would do well to remember Paul’s example; seek out those who are close, take care of myself physically, and continue to engage with people and things outside my own circumstances. And in spite of my feelings, keep talking to God and stay in His Word, allowing His continued work in me.
Do your best to come to me quickly ... 2 Timothy 4:9
