Comfort for Holiday Loneliness

[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…