Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Do you deal with loneliness? How many people arou you feel like this statement from God questions? There is no deeper sadness that ever comes over the mind than the idea that we are alone in the world, that we do not have a friend, that no one cares for us, that no one is concerned about anything that might happen to us, that no one would care if we were to die or shed a tear over our grave. Got Questions https://www.gotquestions.org/loneliness.html
Loneliness is real. At its core is the feeling of separation. Adam was naming all the animals which God had created, Yet God said it was not good for him to be alone. God created Eve partly to help with Adam’s longing to be with someone who was like him, someone to talk to, someone to live life with, and someone to share in his joy.
Those feelings of connectedness should be found inside marriage, but they are true inside other trusted friendships also. The desire to belong many times can be greater than the wisdom to know that certain groups or relationships can be hurtful to us. Choosing good friends can be a lifetime of support.
What can you do if you find yourself lonely?
- Connect with God. The deepest loneliness is a separation from God. Even Jesus when He took our sin upon Himself on the cross, felt forsaken from Father God.
- Each one of us has a God shaped vacuum in our lives that only He can fill. Jesus came to restore our connection with God that our sin caused. He adopts us into His family and calls us His child. Then He promises to never leave us nor forsake us.
- Take the steps necessary to become a child of God
- Then talk (which means to listen and speak) with Him often. His words are life and light.
- Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.
- Connect with your spouse, if married. Unselfishly serving your spouses needs has a unique twist of meeting your own needs. Spending fun quality time together with your spouse fills your emotional bucket to handle the challenges of life.
- Connect with good friends. Laughter doeth good like a medicine. Unplug from the TV and computer and spend time doing something together. Start with sharing meals together. Be prepared to forgive often as this builds strength into the friendship.
- Smile and give warm welcomes. Even though you may not feel up to it, smiles can lead to some great conversations.
- Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. When you recognize why you feel alone, you can begin to change some things. Some thoughts are from Satan. When he whispers to me something negative about another person who I think may not like me, I reverse the thought and speak a prayer of blessing over them. I want good to come to them in the same way I would want good to come to me.
- Prolonged loneliness can lead to depression. It is okay to seek professional counseling. It is not either-or. You can try some of these ideas AND seek help.
Thank God often for the friends you have, this includes your spouse. Let them know how much you appreciate their continued “being there”. Thankfulness and gratitude are stairways leading away from the basement of loneliness.
What advice would you give for someone who is experiencing loneliness? How do you handle it?
Remember, God sets the lonely in families. He is faithful to do what He promised.
Blessings, Love y’all