I wanted to write this devotional because I think loneliness is something we all have experienced at one point or another. Why do most struggle with this? At the beginning God tells us, “And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helpmate for him” (Genesis 2:18 KJV). I wonder if God didn’t want us alone because he didn’t want to be alone either. He himself created us for fellowship. 

Why did God not want us to be alone? Did Adam perhaps get lonely in the garden? God was not in the garden all the time. God created men a helpmate for when He was not there himself. That right there speaks to the root of all loneliness. Life without God creates loneliness. 

I am sure some of you are saying, “Wait I am born again, I have God in my life. Why am I still lonely at times?” Loneliness can creep into our lives if we are not vigilant. Personally, when I get lonely I know it is a signal that I am not spending enough time in the Bible or praying. I believe feelings of loneliness can be an alarm bell for us. Telling us to wake up and spend some time with God and His people. 

I can only speak to what has worked for me when I feel lonely. There is a huge spiritual aspect to realizing you are never alone but there are things you can do in the natural that will help you. 

• Go to church. 

  • “Discover creative ways to encourage others and to motivate them toward acts of compassion, doing beautiful works as expressions of love. This is not the time to pull away and neglect meeting together, as some have formed the habit of doing. In fact, we should come together even more frequently, eager to encourage and urge each other onward as we anticipate that day dawning.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:24-25‬ ‭TPT‬‬

• Volunteer at your church. 

  • “For his “body” has been formed in his image and is closely joined together and constantly connected as one. And every member has been given divine gifts to contribute to the growth of all; and as these gifts operate effectively throughout the whole body, we are built up and made perfect in love.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭TPT‬‬

• Seek out a therapist if needed.

• Join a support group.

• Intentionally schedule get-togethers with friends/family.

  • “For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:20‬ ‭AMP‬‬

• Find a hobby you like that entertains your mind.

• Exercise.

  • “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Seasons of loneliness can happen to all of us, no one is immune. When strong emotions appear a lot of times we shrink back and disappear. You really need to make a conscious effort to not trap yourself in isolation. The list above gives you ideas that will help. 

During one of my loneliest seasons I was: going to church 3-4 times a week (volunteering at least one of those services), individual therapy and marriage therapy once a week, support group once a week, getting together with a friend at least once a week, and started writing devotionals to get my mind off my emotions and on the word of God. If I did not do some of these things during that season, I am not sure how well I would’ve come out of it. 

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

One of the best parts of God is that He never leaves us. He is always with us. Do not get discouraged because God will always uphold and strengthen you. In seasons of loneliness remember that you aren’t alone and He provides lots of support and resources for you here in this life. All we need to do is reach out and receive His blessings and resources. Loneliness happens to us all especially during this holiday season but don’t let it take you off course. Acknowledge it, acknowledge the emotions behind it and possibly where it is coming from but then use the resources and blessings He has given us to get out. You are never alone.

Posted 12/01/2022