Lonely?

Loneliness…not a fun word! Everyone felt that everyone around you is with someone…except you? I have.

Loneliness is a problem that plagues everyone, whether you’re a single adult or married. God can really use the times of loneliness in our lives if we will let Him. We can be like Jesus and use the time to grow closer to God. Jesus often went off by himself to be alone with His Father in prayer (see Luke 5:16). When we’re alone with God, without the distractions of the world, we can hear His voice much more clearly. Then, we can seek to do His will.

We can also use our lonely times to take a closer look at the gifts God has given us. The apostle Peter challenges us with these words: “Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything . . .” (1 Peter 4:10, 11, The Message). Even when we’re feeling lonely, God calls us to give ourselves away by serving others. Every day we see so many people who are hurting and lonely and need us to share Jesus’ love with them. Can you imagine what would happen if every Christ follower would take that responsibility to love seriously? Revival would break out.

When you are walking in intimacy with God, one is a whole number. He promises to meet all your emotional and social needs, and He is dependable to do it. It becomes a matter of changing our minds and attitudes from feeling sorry for ourselves to being grateful we have time to spend alone with God and to reach out in service to others in need of companionship and care.

There are people in your life—at home, at school, at work, in your neighborhood—who would love to know that someone else cares about them. The next time you feel lonely, think about the people you could minister to. Think of practical ways you can serve them in God’s name.

When you reach out to others, you will be encouraged and God will be pleased!