In our society, people are reporting that they feel more isolated and lonely than ever before
in recorded history. There are more reports of depression and other mental illnesses associated
with isolation, especially in technological advanced population centers around the world. I want
to look at this from a biblical perspective. Hopefully, in the next couple of articles we can
examine how God expects us to deal with the problem of feeling lonely.
There is a concept taught throughout the Bible that is difficult for most of us to fully
comprehend. As a Christian, God is with us and He cares for us constantly. We can read the
words, but I think we often have trouble understanding and accepting their meaning. These
words are not empty phrases, but full of truth and meaning. We all have heard that old phrase,
“Actions speak louder than words”, but we find that God’s actions are often too hard for us to
discern. The actions of the Holy Spirit are often a mystery to us. If we will take the time to slow
down and refocus our lives on the spiritual, we may begin to see more of those actions play out
in our lives. We often overlook the words and actions that express God’s love in our lives. God is
love and He loves us (1 John 4:16).
First: The Bible points out that just like any of our earthly relationships, our relationship
with God takes work on our part. It teaches us that our focus and our actions will impact our
relationship with God. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8, NASB).
We must take steps to draw closer to God. If we don’t want to feel alone in this world, then we
need to work on growing closer to God.
Second: When we start to feel alone, or that God has abandoned us, it’s time to start looking
at ourselves. God is still where He has always been, if we will just turn to Him. “… God has
said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is
my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6, NIV). It’s
like the story of the old couple taking a drive one day. The woman, a little upset, said to her
husband who was driving “Do you remember when we would sit side by side when we were
young?” The husband calmly replied, “I’m still in the same place I’ve always been.” God is still
where He has always been.
Third: God wants us to turn to Him with all our anxiety, loneliness, cares, and stress. You
are never a burden to God! “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He
may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter
5:6-7, NIV). The creator of the universe, the all-powerful, all-knowing, the Being that is
everywhere in this world, loves YOU and cares for YOU! You are important, you are wanted,
you are special to God.

~B Tolbert