Antidote for Loneliness

One cause of loneliness in life is hard times. When I am going through financial belt-tightening and sense there is not enough money to meet the legitimate needs of my family, I begin to feel as if I’m in this thing all alone. Everybody else seems to be making it, but I feel as if I’m in a room with walls closing in upon me. My inner being cries out during those times for someone to really care–for someone to simply lay a hand upon my shoulder and let me know that I’m not alone.

Then, after I’ve exhausted every resource –after I’ve investigated every possibility –after I’ve reached the end of my rope, I cry out to God.

Isn’t it amazing that we must often come to a sense of desperation before we cry out to Him? He doesn’t want us facing life’s battles dependent upon our own inadequate and limited resources. He wants us to enjoy to the security of His limitless bounty. And He doesn’t want us to walk life’s hills and valleys alone. He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. He will never turn His back on those who are His friends.

The Psalmist reflected this sense of His presence as he penned the twenty-third Psalm, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He is with me. His rod and His staff comfort me.”

During these uncertain days we, who comprise the body of Christ here on earth, need be sensitive to those around us who are hurting. Their loneliness will often cause them to draw back, but we must reach out across the barriers they erect to offer loving friendship in the name of Christ.

Today, purpose to reach out to someone who appears to have withdrawn from you, your church, or a group. Just demonstrate Christlike love, and you’ll not experience loneliness, while you helping one who just might be going through it right now.