Deuteronomy 31:6- "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." (ESV)

Sometimes we just feel lonely. We can be in the middle of a huge crowd and still feel like no one understands us, no one supports us, and like no one will ever love us. It happens to the best of us that, at times, we just feel alone.

However, we're never really alone. God is always there with us. Sometimes he allows us to feel alone to help us grow and see things. Sometimes we just need to seek Him when we feel lonely to develop a better relationship with Him. God wants us to develop relationships with one another, which is why we sometimes feel lonely. We're designed to be social. Yet, when things seem a little dark, we always know we have God to turn to.

Proverbs 21:5- "Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." (NIV)

There is much to be said for living in a culture where we are all a little different. Cultural diversity is what makes our society special. We learn about one another. We see deeper into ourselves as humans. If we learn more about tolerance, we begin to see each of us as God sees us - as his creation and something to be loved no matter what.

When we become judgmental, either about race, sex, etc., we lose sight of what God does when He judges us. God provides judgement, but does so with a large dose of mercy. As His children he loves us, which means that, as harsh as He could be on us for our sins, He chooses to provide us mercy. Need an example? Well, just look to how God gave up his one Son for our sins.

Proverbs 13:4- "Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper and be satisfied." (NLT)

Hard work is something that can be incredibly rewarding. Many people today are always looking to cut corners or not do anything, but sometimes putting your nose to the grindstone and doing the work ahead of you can be incredibly satisfying. Not everything in life comes easy, and sometimes it's better when it doesn't.

God tells us that we can be successful if we put in the effort, and we need to fight through the desires to be lazy or give up. He promises us that our diligence will be rewarded.

Proverbs 21:5- "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." (NIV)

With the start of any new year we inevitably end up in a discussion about resolutions. Every year people want that fresh start to set goals, and while most of them are never met, many of them are. Where do you think you will fit this year?

In Proverbs we read about how successful those who are diligent can be. Putting in all your effort, keeping your focus, can lead you to success.