How to Relate to Loneliness

PSALMS 25: 16 – 21

Jesus knew loneliness.  If you have ever experienced loneliness, He can relate to you.

Loneliness is an emotional epidemic. It’s rampant.

Loneliness started in the Garden of Eden and continues today.

King David knew its pain and described his despair thus: “I am like a sparrow alone on the housetop.” Have you ever felt that way? Most of us have —  and will.

Specific causes of loneliness are numerous. However, most can be classified in one of two categories. Both had their origin in Eden.

First, our Creator said, “Let us make man in our own image…” Biblically God and Adam are then represented as “walking together in the garden.” This is terminology meaning they had fellowship. We were created for the high and lofty purpose of fellowship with God.

God made man, Adam, and said, “It is not good that man should be alone. I will make for him a help mate.” (Genesis 2:8)

Thus, a relationship was begun between two people. In creating a help mate God provided for companionship.

Loneliness results when one or both of these relationships is disrupted.

Loneliness entered the world before sin. It was the only thing in God’s freshly created world that the Creator declared “not good.” 

Christ confirmed our capacity of companionship when He said, “Love one another.” (John 15: 12)

Romans 14: 7 states a stellar truth: “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.”

God gave us a need for people. All persons need to work at developing their interpersonal skills. Personality development and communication skills should be worked on. Try to be likable.

The Scripture says: “He who would have friends must show himself friendly.” (Proverbs 18: 24) To have a friend, be a friend.

We need to learn from Jesus who sought lonely places in which to pray. Perhaps much of our loneliness is allowed by God as an attempt to provide us opportunity for fellowship with Him through prayer.

Studies show high loneliness and low spiritual well-being often go together.

Loneliness is a megaphone used by God to call us to Himself. C.S. Lewis said, “He whispers to us in our joys, speaks to us in our conscience, and shouts to us in our pain.”

Often loneliness is God’s way of saying I am here to love you and meet your needs. Fellowship with Him through reading the Bible, praying, worshiping, and fellowship with other believers.

Perhaps at this moment you need to pray the content of our text: “Turn yourself to me, and have mercy on me, for I am desolate (lonely) and afflicted….”