[362 words]
Although each person is different in how they respond, there are many common reasons why people may experience loneliness. Each of us will face events in our lives that may lead us to feel alone, rejected, or out of place. The Bible records many of these events in people’s lives:
Lack of friends (Psalm 142:4)
Old age (Psalm 71:9)
Loss of family (Luke 7:12)
Sin (Isaiah 59:2)
Disease (Luke 17:12)
Discontent (Ecclesiastes 4:8)
Insomnia (Psalm102:7)
Depression (1 Kings 19:4)
Poverty (Proverbs 19:4,7)
Loss of identity (Job 1:13-19)
Disability (Acts 3:2).
Sometimes just knowing that our experience is not unique and that others around us have gone through the same kinds of situations can help us feel less isolated and more connected. Knowing that we are going to face these situations, we can prepare ourselves mentally to face them. We can find support through family, friends, church members, or organized support groups.
Events that are often beyond our control can change the way we think about our lives. Loss of a job, children leaving home, retirement, or moving can lead to a loss of identity and connection to our community. We need to have a strong sense of self that is not based on externals. In this life we need to remember that all relationships are temporary. Only our relationship with God will last forever. “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
During this holiday season, which often reminds us of those who are not with us, we need to be aware of members who are going through events like these and show them the love of Christ. Remember you are not truly alone when you are a child of God.
Brad Tolbert
Monticello church of Christ
Monticello, AR