I read this morning that many nations around the world now suggest we are facing a loneliness epidemic. They further state that increased efforts and resources are needed to combat this important issue. This isn't new. It's always been a problem for humans. But, you would think it would be lessening, rather than becoming a widespread problem, now that we live in an age of social technology.
Could this be the reason we spend time on Facebook? Is this why we scan FB for hours? Instant access to people. Social life appears in front of our eyes. Just pick up your phone, ipad, laptop.... bingo! People! Communication! And yet we still suffer from loneliness.
Loneliness can hit anyone - at any age. Anywhere, anytime, anyplace. What is this thing called loneliness? It is a feeling. Funny thing, you can feel alone in a crowd. Loneliness causes a person to feel empty, alone, unwanted.
This feeling has high risks, physically. One article said, "Health risks associated with prolonged loneliness and social isolation are equal to the dangers of smoking and obesity, and may increase mortality risk by up to 30%. It can increase the risk of death by 26%. (AARP 12.17.16)
Your feeling of loneliness (when prolonged) will cause negative consequences physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Chronic loneliness is far different than choosing to have 'alone time' ... Often, having a few close friends (3 or 4) is a cure and will chase away the negative effects and consequences that accompany this state of mind.
We've all experienced loneliness at one time or another. Usually, it flees when we have people contact or become focused on our duties, family, or jobs.
There's one cure for loneliness that is overlooked by society...in all of their research. It's found in the Word of God.
Psalm 68:5 gives the answer.
"A father of the fatherless.....is God in his holy habitation."
Footnotes of the Full Life Study Bible explain:
The fatherhood of God for the believer is emphasized in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. God delights in protecting the weak, the disadvantaged, wronged, and LONELY among His people. If you feel alone in the world, you should ask God to put you under His special care and protection.
Luke 7:13 A great expression of love and the heart of God is obvious in the words spoken by Jesus to the widow in this verse: weep not.
Today, perhaps all you and I need is just to experience the tender love and compassion of a Savior. Our friend, Jesus Christ.
If you are lonely, pray. Ask. Receive Jesus into your life. If you are already a believer - then go to Him and open your heart to accept his tender love and his wonderful protection.
Jesus desires that his children live life abundantly. John 10:10 says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Jesus wants you to enjoy life and live it to the full, till it overflows.
The Word of God has answers for life's problems. I pray you receive the answer you are looking for and draw from God's protection and boundless love.
Remember, there are some things we don't have, simply because we have not asked...
What a companion is He! What fellowship He gives! What love He bestows upon his own! He loves you with an everlasting love!
May you never feel alone again.
God bless you!
Loneliness is not a good friend! It drifts away from loved ones, family and friends. It often leads a person to be a captive of self-pity. Psalm 42:5 asks this question: "Why are you cast down, O my soul? Why are you so dejected? Put your hope and trust in GOD, and praise Him for His smiling face will comfort you." (paraphrased: trc... that's me).
ReplyDeleteThis is a great commentary. To be reminded that God knows, cares, and makes provision for the lonely.
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing this.
You're welcome. And thanks for reading and taking the time to comment.
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