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"This is not a scholarly book, though it is based on theological and literary research. Rather, this is a very personal book -- not so much as autobiography, but because faith requires our whole selves. These chapters came not merely from intellectual work but from life -- unendurable loneliness that demanded to know if God is really here with me, with you, when our lives are afflicted with sorrows and sufferings. When dark clouds of doubt rolled in immense waves over me in black nights of despair, I wrestled and wondered if I was totally alone. Does God care? Is God here? We need the Christian community and the Scriptures to bring God's presence to us. I first wrote this book to bring the healing presence of God's Word through the Word-shaped community to those who suffer from various kinds of loneliness and to help people who minister to them (their families, friends, pastors, fellow members in churches) -- and I wrote out of my own heartache." --MARVA DAWN from the preface Many writers, both secular and religious, decry the loneliness that so many in our society suffer, but few offer real solace that is deeper than mere human words. This volume, first written during Marva Dawn's most painful single years, offers genuine guidance to those who struggle with suffering and loneliness in their lives. Bringing biblical insights and the experiences of daily life together, Dawn explores portions of the Psalms to show readers the reality of God's presence and to lead them to the affection, encouragement, and sense of belonging found only in Christian community. Including questions for reflection in every chapter, I'm Lonely, LORD -- How Long? will be a spring of comfort for those presently in the throes of loneliness and an instructive resource for those caring for someone in that place. "For decades now Marva Dawn's life has been shaped by the Psalms; as she writes out her Psalm-shaped experiences in prayer, we realize freshly and personally what a vigor- ous and reality-tested world of prayer the Psalms provide us." --EUGENE H. PETERSON