“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” Hebrews 13:5
Webster’s dictionary defines loneliness as, “being without company; cut off from others; not frequented by human beings; sad from being alone; producing a feeling of bleakness or desolation.”
Have you ever felt lonely? Loneliness has many causes: The death of a loved one, divorce or separation, a broken engagement, a career loss or change, a move from one city or country to another. Leaving what is comfortable and familiar and moving into the unknown can be a lonely experience.
Someone once said that loneliness is not simply a matter of feeling alone, but rather the feeling that no one cares what happens to you. Most of us have felt lonely sometime in our lifetime. Feelings of rejection and abandonment are common. Even Jesus felt lonely. We need to know that someone cares about what happens to us.
What can we do to help ourselves when we feel lonely, and how can we help others?
1. Realize that Jesus also was lonely, so He knows how you feel. Talk to Him about how you feel. (Isaiah 41: 8–10)
2. Read your Bible every day. You will receive comfort and affirmation.
3. Know that Jesus will never leave you or forsake you. He is always there.
(Hebrews 13:5)
4. Talk to a friend about how you feel.
If you are feeling lonely today, I also encourage you to read Facing Loneliness, by
J. Oswald Sanders. It offers some excellent advice and insights.
Father, we feel so lonely at times. We need You to envelope us with Your love and attention. Thank You that You promised to meet our every need. Help us to be alert to befriend those who are lonely. Amen.
