Loneliness is a common fact. It is the most devastating malady of this day. We all have to deal with it. Loneliness is not isolation or solitude. We all need some solitude at some time. Jesus withdrew himself to pray and be alone. You can be lonesome without being lonely. You can be away from home and feel lonesome without being lonely. You can be lonely in a crowd. A city is a place where hundreds of people are lonely together! The lonely hearts clubs thrive in the big city. Loneliness is not isolation but insulation. We all have three basic needs:-

• Everyone needs someone to love and share intimately.
• Someone who knows how they feel.
• Everyone needs to feel needed and wanted.

1 – Causes of Loneliness

• Some people have been spurned or rejected. They have a deep inner wound that has not been healed. Once burnt they are afraid of being burnt again.
• Some people do not see themselves worthy of having a friend. They build walls rather than bridges.
• Some people have gone through deep sorrow or lost. They think no one really knows or understands. They just want to be left alone. See Job 19:13.
• Some people suffer from selfishness. They are so self-centred. They have so much pride that they isolate themselves from others by their actions.

We are often so depersonalised that we do not interact with people. Talk to someone you meet today.

2 – Loneliness is a crippling force

Those who are suffering loneliness are more likely to suffer heart attacks, commit suicide, overeat, can’t eat, can’t sleep, etc. God say it is not good for man to be alone.

3 – Loneliness is a defeated foe

Jesus went through loneliness in his life and upon the cross. No one has known greater loneliness. Jesus died alone. He was like a sparrow on the rooftop. Jesus knows how you feel. It is OK to be lonely. He knows how you feel. Jesus will never leave us or forsake us. What a friend we have in Jesus. We have someone we can share and talk to everyday. He knows and cares for me and you. Jesus needs us because we are his hands and feet. He knows you, he wants you and he needs you. He is a friend that is ALWAYS there. See Romans 8:38-39. If no one else understands – Jesus does. He always does.

Categories: Psalms