Loneliness? Does Faith in Christ Help?

Loneliness visits the best of us at times.  With some it lingers and makes a home in our lives, with others, it quickly retreats.

How does faith in Christ help those who are struggling with that bout of loneliness?  Here are some ideas:

1.  Believers in Christ know that HE is always with us.  We accept this by faith because HE promised that to be so.

It is not enough, of course, just to say the words 'I believe.' 

Instead, this is the life-changing surrender of ourselves in faith. As we repent of our dark past and accept His gift of unmerited favor, called grace, we accept HIM into our lives as Lord.  He remains in us through His Holy Spirit.  So though we may not feel physically present with our Heavenly Father, He is aware of us and our needs.  All of them, including the emptiness and ravages of loneliness.  

2.  We have the privilege of speaking to HIM daily in prayer.

We enjoy His presence.  We seek to hear His voice, as any dear friend or father, HE is eager to communicate with us. We can ask Him to lift the burdens we bear, the pain and disappointments as well as thank Him for the joys and gifts HE gives.

Yes, HE does say no to our requests and let us go through times of trouble, trials, and burdens.  That works the same way every day in families around us. No father on earth stops every negative experience from touching his child, whether he is physically present or not.  We learn from such problems or pains.  Just so, our Heavenly Father has His purposes -- to bring us more into the image of Christ, a spiritual 'bath', so to speak. Then, strength increases within as does the assurance of His faithfulness, strange as it sounds.

This is one area that a person who does not know God cannot comprehend. Are believers just fools to love a god who seems to let them suffer? Not at all! Once again, our earthly parents do not give us everything we want, let us get by without chores, or let us play in the snow without bundling up.  If we disobey, we are punished.  When not a behavior problem, they teach us discipline so we can learn.  Practicing our musical instrument, our athletic skills, learning multiplication tables, to name but a few, demands time and dedicated learning.  Until the child knows this need for themselves, the parents make the child work.  And they hate it! That is us too!  Do we hate parents who care so much for us?  No.  

3. A built-in community provides a sense of purpose.  When it functions as it should,  the church is a place of fellowship. It strengthens and provides company, deeper interaction when isolation threatens -- and it is a worldwide body!  Even if life sends you abroad, you can find like-minded brothers and sisters in Christ.  The purpose of Christ is our purpose and is shared among all of us.

The 'hardening' that the previous verse is talking about is falling into doubt, sin, complacency, not living by following  God's will, which means not being in fellowship with other believers.  That is why we need that encouragement! We cannot stand alone.  That could also be a cause of loneliness in some believers.  The fellowship is unavailable or scorned for whatever reason, but the lack of it keeps us weak and vulnerable.

4. The believer can seek the wisdom and comfort of God's word.  Believers don't just read the Bible to follow the rules.  No!  It is a way to commune with the Most High, to know Him better, to find solace, and to remember His love for all His children through the ages -- how He has been there for them.  

5.  God enables those who believe to overcome the fear at the heart of loneliness.  How can we fear when we believe in the love and protection of a loving Heavenly Father?

And HE does that each day for the multitudes of believers.  For me, too, many times!

So, if loneliness has attacked your peace, look to the promises made by a loving Heavenly Father who wants YOU to trust HIM, and be with Him each day of your life.

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