The Escape From Loneliness
Here are four ways to defend yourself from the power of loneliness.
Acknowledge the reality of your loneliness.
Christians have made an art of denying the reality of some parts of life. Because it seems unspiritual to confess to being lonely many Christians will quote Heb 13:5 where Christ said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you," and profess they are never lonely because He is always with them. Theologically it is true that Christ is always with the believer, but our practice doesn't always match our position. It is more honest, transparent, and real to simply say, "Yes, I am lonely at this time of my life," than to deny the reality our our situation. Human beings experience loneliness at times, and there is no shame in a Christian admitting that fact.
Accept God's provision for your loneliness.
Ultimately, God's provision for loneliness is the only suitable solution. There is a fundamental emptiness in every human being which can only be filled by the presence of God Himself. It is interesting to note that the only time Jesus Christ cried out in loneliness was from the cross when the Father forsook Him and allowed Him to die as a sacrifice for the world. Without the presence of God, the most agonizing loneliness will afflict even the strongest person. No person should search for a solution for his loneliness without solving the basic issue of separation from God. Accepting Jesus Christ, and being fille by His Spirit, is the first step toward overcoming the negative dimensions of loneliness.
Allow God's word to fill your heart and mind.
I say this so frequently that it can be misinterpreted as a Christian platitude. But it is not. I say if often because it is the absolute truth! Second only to the presence of God's Spirit in one's life is the presence of God's word as an antidote to loneliness. God has spoken clearly, and if you read His word you will hear His voice.
Activate your network of Christian friends.
Let me close with a strong word, strong because it is true: living in the house of loneliness is a choice. You may not have become lonely by choice, but remaining lonely is something you don't have to do. The body of Christ exist to encourage and strengthen Christians; but if we refuse to get involved, it is difficult for that to happen. Each believer must assume the responsibility for his own emotional and spiritual health, including not lingering in loneliness. In the average church there are numerous 'doors' through which one can enter into relationships of service and friendship. But you must walk through the door.
When we have Jesus Christ living in us, though the world may crumble around us, He is the light from on high that thrills land encourages our hearts. Look beyond your circumstances into the face of the One who loves you.
Author unknown
Donald Bycroft found the above lesson (Escape from Loneliness), and the article below ('Did You Know?) in his wife (June's) bible after she passed away. Don is keen to share these articles with us at Northcross as loneliness can affect anyone at anytime. None of us - that's none of us! - are immune. Thanks Don for sharing with us.
DID YOU KNOW?
Every part of us can be lonely. We can be physically alone when no other are present, emotionally alone when we experience sorrow or grief, mentally alone when we are living beneath our intellectual capacity, spiritually alone when we have no purpose in life and willfully alone when we have lost the capacity for self-control. The presence of the Holy Spirit can counter every aspect of loneliness by His presence, comfort, quickening, direction and power. The Christian's challenge is to identify the loneliness he/she is experiencing, then rely on the Spirit's presence to show a way of escape.
Author also unknown
by Jo Warner