Articles
Lonely 3
Although each person is different in how they respond, there are many common reasons
why people may experience loneliness. Each of us will face events in our lives that may lead us
to feel alone, rejected, or out of place. The Bible records many of these events in people’s lives.
Lack of friends (Psalm 142:4) Old age (Psalm 71:9)
Loss of family (Luke 7:12) Sin (Isaiah 59:2)
Disease (Luke 17:12) Discontent (Ecclesiastes 4:8)
Insomnia (Psalm102:7) Depression (1 Kings 19:4)
Poverty (Proverbs 19:4,7) Loss of identity (Job 1:13-19)
Disability (Acts 3:2).
Sometimes just knowing that our experience is not unique and that others around us have
gone through the same kinds of situations can help us feel less isolated and more connected.
Knowing that we are going to face these situations, we can prepare ourselves mentally to face
them. We can find support through family, friends, church members, or organized support
groups.
Events that are often beyond our control can change the way we think about our lives.
Loss of a job, children leaving home, retirement, or moving can lead to a loss of identity and
connection to our community. We need to have a strong sense of self that is not based on
externals. In this life we need to remember that all relationships are temporary. Only our
relationship with God will last forever. “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is
wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is
preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things
that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the
things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). During this holiday season, which
often reminds us of those who are not with us, we need to be aware of members who are going
through events like these and show them the love of Christ. Remember you are not truly alone
when you are a child of God.
~B Tolbert
