Have you ever
been in a crowded room and felt all alone? Have you experienced that
loneliness even in a church setting?
Just like Nebraska has four seasons there are many seasons in life. Everybody at one time or another will experience a season of loneliness. Ask any leader of a company, a pastor, a student who stood for something he/she believes in. We all will face loneliness at some point in life.
What causes loneliness? A lack of relationship with another person can be one reason. The very first thing that God said is not right about the earth is loneliness. (Read Genesis 2:18)
Change can cause loneliness. Life is a series of transitions some good, some bad, some ugly and these can cause isolation. With every change, and the culture is in constant change, you’re letting go of something. Letting go of routine, what you like can cause loneliness.
Opposition can cause loneliness. My five year old granddaughter felt lonely when one of her friends wouldn’t play with her on the playground. Being ganged up on, called names, not being understood hurts. And during those times you experience loneliness.
It also is true of rejection. Ever been betrayed by a spouse or friend? Been abandoned by others for a decision you made? Forsaken? God designed us with a deep emotional need to be accepted. When people we thought were loyal are not, or people we thought we could count on we can’t, it hurts.
So what do you do when loneliness strikes? Remember, God feels it to. He sees it, He cares about the heartache in your heart. He cares about how you feel. Jesus felt all alone in the garden and on the cross. He can identify with our pain. (Read Hebrews 4:15-16)
Not only can we remember God understands, but we can make the best of a bad situation. Resist the temptation to do nothing. Take some action. Discover a hobby, learn a new skill, join a life group, travel or find a new friend. Any action is better than not action.
Last of all when loneliness strikes you, rest in God’s presence. When you’re lonely it’s natural to ask, “Where’s God?” He’s where He’s always been, right beside you. He is with you even if you do not feel it. (Read John 14:18)
Blessings,
Just like Nebraska has four seasons there are many seasons in life. Everybody at one time or another will experience a season of loneliness. Ask any leader of a company, a pastor, a student who stood for something he/she believes in. We all will face loneliness at some point in life.
What causes loneliness? A lack of relationship with another person can be one reason. The very first thing that God said is not right about the earth is loneliness. (Read Genesis 2:18)
Change can cause loneliness. Life is a series of transitions some good, some bad, some ugly and these can cause isolation. With every change, and the culture is in constant change, you’re letting go of something. Letting go of routine, what you like can cause loneliness.
Opposition can cause loneliness. My five year old granddaughter felt lonely when one of her friends wouldn’t play with her on the playground. Being ganged up on, called names, not being understood hurts. And during those times you experience loneliness.
It also is true of rejection. Ever been betrayed by a spouse or friend? Been abandoned by others for a decision you made? Forsaken? God designed us with a deep emotional need to be accepted. When people we thought were loyal are not, or people we thought we could count on we can’t, it hurts.
So what do you do when loneliness strikes? Remember, God feels it to. He sees it, He cares about the heartache in your heart. He cares about how you feel. Jesus felt all alone in the garden and on the cross. He can identify with our pain. (Read Hebrews 4:15-16)
Not only can we remember God understands, but we can make the best of a bad situation. Resist the temptation to do nothing. Take some action. Discover a hobby, learn a new skill, join a life group, travel or find a new friend. Any action is better than not action.
Last of all when loneliness strikes you, rest in God’s presence. When you’re lonely it’s natural to ask, “Where’s God?” He’s where He’s always been, right beside you. He is with you even if you do not feel it. (Read John 14:18)
Blessings,
P.S. Have you ever felt that you don’t measure up to everybody else’s standards or expectations? Ever feel like you’re stuck in a spiritual rut? These things just drain you of any happiness or joy. What can you do to reach the next level of joy in your life? Come Sunday 9:15 or 11:00 and discover how to experience joy in your life’s journey.
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