Articles
Lonely
Today, we continue our discussion about feeling lonely. The problem is one we all face at
times, but it is a problem that is often difficult to overcome. Loneliness is subjective, in that what
makes us feel lonely one day may not make us feel that way the next day. Being alone and being
lonely are two different things. One can be alone without being lonely, and one can be lonely in a
crowded room. Loneliness is, therefore, a state of mind. It is an emotion brought on by feelings
of separation from other human beings. The sense of isolation is very deeply felt by those who
are lonely.
It should be no surprise that the Bible deals with people who are feeling lonely. The Hebrew
word translated “desolate” or “lonely” in the Old Testament means “one alone, only; one who is
solitary, forsaken, wretched.” There is no deeper sadness than the idea that we are alone in the
world. A feeling that we do not have a friend, that no one cares, that no one is concerned about
anything that might happen to us, and that no one would care if we died or shed a tear over our
grave.
Loneliness has affected us from the very beginning of human existence. “The LORD God
said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him" (Genesis
2:18). God seems to have hard wired something into us when He created us that drives us to seek
out and build relationships. God saw that something was missing in Adam’s life. He was alone
and needed someone to be his helper, but just as importantly, he needed someone to help. There
is an old saying that seems cliché but is still true, “To have a friend be a friend”. This idea goes
hand in hand with God’s word. Just sitting beside someone in the pew does not make a
meaningful relationship. God has a plan for us. “This is My commandment, that you love one
another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life
for his friends” (John 15:12-13). ~B Tolbert
