Overcoming Loneliness

Genesis 2:18 (NKJV) “And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”

Being alone by choice can be good.  Jesus made time to be alone for prayer and re-grouping for His work (Matthew 14:23).  Feeling lonely is another matter.

Many things can separate me from others either physically or emotionally:  fear, anxiety, broken trust, abuse, damaged relationships.  Some of these are beyond my control.  However, I feel lonely even when with others because I feel cut off.

Even though I may be with others, I still feel lonely and I must recognize that feelings are real.  It seems far worse at night when the activity of the day dies down and my hurt and worries come back to haunt me.  Loneliness is especially heavy during those special times of the year like holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries when I typically would be happy with friends and family.

The fact is that I may be apart from some of my family.  The fact is I still have my kids, friends and other family.  The fact is I still have my health.  The fact is I still have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of my kids, family, and friends.

The feeling may be that I don’t deserve this; that I feel I have been rejected; that I feel I am not worthy of friends or family and their love, or all of the above.

If I do nothing and just wait for things to change I may sink into depression and have a hard time climbing back out.

If I fight it with anger and frustration I may vent it on those I need most at this time and they may run from me.

If I fight it with “busy-ness” I may temporarily feel better but will likely spin out of control until physically and emotionally exhausted.

I can use this period constructively to make something special with my new life.  I can build a closer relationship with God through prayer, study, and worship.  I can build a stronger relationship with my kids, my friends, and my family through special times together, teaching, and setting the right example.  I can do something special for myself to be more prepared for a new and exciting future like a new education or new hobby.  I can - through Him!

Philippians 4:11 - 13 (NKJV) “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.  Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”

James 1:2 - 4 (NKJV) “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

I need a friend and someone to be close to.  In return I must be a friend.  I must open the door for them to be close to me and help.  I will feel free to ask their help to comfort and be comfortable in sharing my needs with them so they can.

Galatians 6:2 (NKJV) “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Philippians 2:4 (NKJV) “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

He will do special things for His children and can show His glory in the hardest of times.  I must remember, however, this is on His timetable and according to His plan, not mine.

Romans 8:28 (NKJV) “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

John 13:35 (NKJV) “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Please consider our sincere offer to listen, talk, and share concerns about the future as well as an opportunity for Bible study together at any time.

For more information please contact us:
Killen Church of Christ
1560 Hwy 72E.
Killen, AL 35645
Phone 256-757-2918
kchurchofchrist@bellsouth.net