MEMORY VERSE: “ Fear thou not; for I am with thee be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Kings 19:2-4, 9-10.
INTRODUCTION
Loneliness has been recognized as a significant social and public health issue. The Hebrew word translated “desolate” or “lonely” in the Old Testament means “one alone, only; one who is solitary, forsaken,wretched.” Loneliness is the feeling of being disconnected from others, even when surrounded by people. It can lead to feelings of sadness, despair, and emptiness. This universal human experience can affect us spiritually, emotionally, and physically. It is therefore necessary for us to explore the issue of loneliness and the guidance on overcoming it.
OUTLINE
- UNDERSTANDING LONELINESS
- GETTING OUT OF LONELINESS
- UNDERSTANDING LONELINESS
Loneliness creeps quietly into people’s lives (regardless of age, gender, or background) changing their perception about life and the people around them. Chronic loneliness has been linked to increased stress: depression, anxiety, and a higher risk of certain physical health problems. This rampant phenomenon becomes fatal when it leads to the death of the victim. Emotional and social disconnection play a significant role in luring people to loneliness. Hence, one can be successful yet lonely Elijah 1 Kings 19:10, David Psalm 25:16 and Paul 2 Timothy 4:16 are some Bible characters who showed signs of loneliness.
One of the strategies Satan and his agents have used successfully against people is to give them reasons to believe everybody hates them. Elijah said “…i, even i only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” Some people fall into loneliness and depression because they spend their time hunting for enemies thereby, finding it difficult to trust anyone, even their spouse: they suspect people around them Ecclesiastes 7:21- 22. Being alone without positively engaging one’s time can make the flesh or the devil to engage us. Secret sins thrive in lonely moments Psalm 19:12.
Other reasons people become lonely are being too introverted, inferiority complex, inability to manage failure or fear of failure; stigmatisation, inability to bond, lack of or a break in fellowship with God, etc.
2. GETTING OUT OF LONELINESS
Anyone feeling lonely must be intentional about getting out of it. Find reasons to be alive and happy Nehemiah 8:10. Stop seeing yourself as a failure, you can do all things Philippians 4:13. Stop feeling like the whole world is against you, everybody has their own problems Galatians 6:5. Learn to forgive yourself for past errors, you are not the worst person on earth Isaiah 1:18. Stop feeling abandoned by God, he will never leave you Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 49:15-17. Hold on to your faith: with God all things are possible Luke 1:37. Do not stay away from friends and family, you need people around you Psalm 133:1; Proverbs 18:24. Watch your mind gate: do not allow evil thought to play on your mind Proverbs 4:23. Be filled with the Holy Spirit Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:22. Excessive usage of social media is also associated with feelings of loneliness and social isolation, hence, relate more with people physically.
CONCLUSION
If you or someone you know is feeling lonely, reaching out to friends, family, or seeking professional support can make a big difference. Also, remember that whatever the cause of loneliness, for the Christian the cure is always the same -the comforting fellowship of Christ.
FURTHER READINGS:
MON: Genesis 2:18;
TUE: Ecclesiastes 4:9;
WED: Genesis 28:15;
THURS: John 14:18;
FRI:Psalm 19:12;
SAT: Romans 12:1-2;
SUN:Genesis 1-12