It is a terrible to feel isolated, estranged and despondent because you lack close companionship. When wardens want to administer their most severe punishment they put prisoners in solitary confinement." Even Peter denied the Lord and left him feeling isolated. Peter denied it again with an oath: "I don’t know the man!" (Matt. 26:71,72) What are some of the Biblical principles that may help us overcome our feelings of loneliness.
1. Occasionally, the Lord allows us to go through times of loneliness to enhance our maturity. Whenever David felt isolated He trusted in the nearness of God for his courage. David wrote, "My slanderers pursue me all day long; many are attacking me in pride. When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" (Psa. 56:3,4) David’s confidence in the God who stood at his right hand gave him courage and companionship that superceded any situation.
2. Whenever we are feeling isolated, we may have sweet fellowship in the Holy Spirit who lives our hearts. When the disciples were afraid that Jesus would leave them alone, He gave them a great promise, "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever the Spirit of truth." (John 14: 16,17) By praising God in times of loneliness, the Holy Spirit will fill your heart with the full assurance of God’s nearness, dearness and loving friendship.
3. Whenever you are feeling lonely it may be an indication that you have run ahead of God. People who try to serve God in the power of their flesh tend to get ahead of God’s schedule for their life. Jesus said, "Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be." (John 12:26) Resist the temptation to run ahead of God in your eager desires to please Him. Learn to wait on the Lord, be of good courage and He will strengthen and fortify your heart.
4. Whenever you are feeling lonely it may be an indication that you have moved away from God. If you are feeling far away from God, guess who moved? People who fail to draw near to God through rich devotional times of prayer and study of the scriptures easily lose a close sense of communication with the Lord. Martin Luther, the great Protestant reformer who knew what it felt like to be lonely, wrote his greatest hymn using the words of Psalm 46, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (Psa.46: 1)
5. Whenever you are feeling lonely it may be that you lack good Christian fellowship. The writer of Hebrews warns, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Heb. 10:24,25)
6. Resist the temptation to try to live the Christian life alone. Do not desert Christian fellowship because of feelings of bitterness, misunderstanding or resentment. Whenever you are feeling lonely it may be that you need to serve some needy people. One of the best antidotes for loneliness is to serve people who need love. The loneliest people in the world are the ones who are afraid of giving to others. John writes, "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete." (I John I :3,4)
7. When we are lonely, one of the best things to do is to find someone who is hurting and listen to their problems. After serving others, you will think your problems are small by comparison.
8. Whenever you are feeling lonely, praise God for all of His loving attributes. David writes, "Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; his love endures forever." (Psa. 106: 1)
9. When we focus our attention on the goodness of God it is impossible to feel sorry for yourself.
10. Whatever problems you are facing will melt away into insignificance in the light of His glory and grace.
Jesus said, "You are my friends, if you do what I command you to do." (John 15:11-15)
