Biblical Help for Loneliness
Loneliness is real and more prevalent in our world than ever. COVID-19 has further widened the gulf between us and others, putting a more significant strain on our mental health. We are restricted in traveling to be with family. We are discouraged from gathering with our friends. We need help to deal with our loneliness, but where are we to turn?
God created us for relationships and desires for our hearts to be full. He is naturally the place that we must run to when seeking help with our loneliness. He desires to wrap His arms around us and fill the hole in our hearts in a way that nothing else can. He offers this to us continually, never turning away from us when we seek Him. We find Him amid His Word, The Holy Bible.
How does the Bible help us with our loneliness?
The Bible reminds us that God's Right by our Side
There will be times in life when we feel alone. We find that many friends, and sadly even family, can be unreliable at times. But we never have to worry about unreliability with God. He walks with us at all times and always ready to support us whenever we turn to Him. Our relationship with Him is the foundational relationship of our lives and the basis on which we must build all others. Regardless of what is happening in your life, always remember "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged" (Deut. 31:8, NIV).
Prayer: Lord, thank You for always being right by my side. I'm so grateful for Your presence and guidance in everything. Your companionship brings me joy and helps me put my life in perspective. Teach me how I can see You in everything while living a life that pleases You. Amen!
The Bible Shows us that it's OK to be Sad
When we feel sad, it can often bring feelings of shame alongside it. Many, even as they try to comfort us, often tell us that we need to be strong, only fueling our shame. While our faith can bring us the strength to endure our sadness, there is nothing wrong with grieving. In fact, the Bible encourages it as a healthy form of processing our pain! Through the Book of Psalms, we see how David, the Psalmist, amid his grief, cries to the Lord God and this always brings him to a place of renewed faith. God sets us on a path that leads us to the resolution for our loneliness. "Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief" (Psalm 31:9, NIV).
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the freedom to express my feelings to You. I pray that You take my sadness and mold it into motivation to live my life more faithfully to You. I know that when I do, You will guide me to the joy that is found in fellowship with others who walk in Your way. I ask that You bring like-minded Christians into my life, so that we may experience Your love together! Amen!
The Bible Teaches us that God will Bring us the Things We need
When we focus our sight on following the path that God has laid before us, things in our life start falling into place; confusion makes way for clarity, closed doors open with an abundance of possibilities. This is because living the way God intended for us to live naturally brings good things into our life. One of those benefits is healthy relationships with other believers! God wants to be with us and comfort us, but He doesn't want to leave us in a place of loneliness. He wants us to be joyful in friendship with others who know Him. Always remember to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matt. 6:33).
Prayer: Lord, You know my dreams, desires and needs. Please align my thoughts with Your thoughts so I seek You first, so the good things You intend for me are added to my life. I am grateful for the honor of calling You my Father. I will obey You as a child should because I love you and trust You. Amen!
The Bible has great wisdom to help us with our loneliness. God wants you to seek out that help so that He can be active in guiding you through what you are experiencing. Living life in alignment with His Word will also bring you to a place of vibrant relationships with others. Seek out God, His Word, and His way of life in everything, and You will surely find the help you need. Go ahead, you can do it!