DEALING WITH LONELINESS

In the past days we’ve spoken about that universal experience of loneliness, some coping mechanism we choose like casual sexual intimacy, spending, people pleasing and other toxic relationships we are willing to accept as better than being alone. 

Today we want to mention some simple steps to take in order to help us move out of that painful lonely place.

1.  We won’t dwell on this today but we mentioned on the first day that it’s only when we enter into and experience a tender loving relationship with God, we will then be healthy enough to establish appropriate caring relationships with others. 

2. Seeking a Godly mentor and developing a healthy relationship with that person is another helpful step we can take in alleviating our loneliness.  Sharing what we are experiencing with a trustworthy person helps us connect with what is actually going on within us. 

3. Joining a church fellowship or support group is another way to feel connected, both with God and with others. 

4.  Reaching out in thoughtful kindness to help and support others opens a door for God to pour blessing back into our lives. 

5.  Developing new interests and participating in new activities helps us connect to others who can be companions on our journey.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.

Hebrews 10:24-25

Loving God, Thank you for your unfailing love for us.  You have not left us alone and even though we may not feel much like “taking steps” to deal with this sadness and loneliness, help us to just do something today – to reach out in some way.    

When we feel disconnected, help us to remember that that you are always with us, and you will never leave us.  You want us to experience satisfying relationships even more than we do so You are ready to help us find a way forward.   

We know loneliness is a feeling and feelings pass but this has seemed to go on for a long time.  Help us to set out on this healing journey today, and even though every issue won’t be solved in a day, help us to see the little positive gifts that will come our way, even today. Amen

Friends, I know loneliness so dark and deep that thoughts of suicide and suicide attempts are part of my own journey.  But let me assure you that no matter how dark things seem today, there is a way out.  There is a better day ahead.  Don’t give up.  Reach out in some way today.