Whoever comes up with the magic, 5-step cure for loneliness and packages it in a eBook or course is going to be a rich person one day. But that’ll never happen. Because, despite our valiant efforts, there’s no cure for loneliness. No matter how busy we make ourselves, how many people we surround ourselves with, how far we travel the globe, or–and it’s true–how soon we marry, everyone struggles with loneliness.
It’s a spiritual condition meant to draw us closer to the only One who can truly satisfy that deep need.
However, there are times when the ache of loneliness is complicated by other issues–our lack of Community, our scarce Bible study time, and our practically non-existent personal time in the Word, among other things. How can we get things back on track so the loneliness doesn’t feel so overwhelming?
SingleRoots Writers Say…
For wise counsel, we asked some of our SingleRoots alumni writers to weigh in on the matter. Here’s what they had to say:
“Surround yourself with people who have a similar passion for Jesus–whether they are in the same season of life or not. We need each other throughout the generations not just a mate. Easier said than done, I know. Take one step today towards building community around you–invite a friend over for dinner, take someone up on the coffee date invitation, see if you can hang out with those friends’ kids for a few hours. Invest in others.”
:: Katie Axelson, author of When Singleness Hurts
“This is something I’m constantly working on. Sometimes I can be in a room full of a thousand people and still feel completely alone. Sometimes I think I’m the only one feeling that way, and sometimes I think it’s even harder being a ministry leader. I have to constantly remind myself that God will never leave me or forsake me. That He is enough for me. That He is my rock and my refuge. That He is my Father and I am not abandoned. Sometimes it’s a daily struggle. Sometimes I can go months without it bothering me. I wonder myself if this will always be a struggle for me, or if there’s something I’m missing God wants to work with in my heart.”
:: Sundi Jo Graham, author of Walking through the Pain
“Understand everyone feels lonely–even marrieds–and ask yourself what your devotional life is like. By ‘loneliness’ you may mean ‘disconnectedness’ from self, God, and others—so re-connect.”
:: Jeff Pate, author of Single and…a Chaplain
Explore the Topic Further…
For further discussion on loneliness, check out these posts:
How Do I Deal with Loneliness? – “When we look at the whole of Scripture, we’d be hard pressed to find many people who didn’t struggle with feelings of loneliness at some point, if not multiple times in their lives. Loneliness can cause us to doubt God and ourselves at times, but we need to remember 3 things.”
Loneliness :: I’m All In – “One of the biggest struggles for me when I’m lonely is allowing my thoughts and my emotions to wander. I used to believe I had no control over my emotions, but eventually I began to see how closely-knitted my thoughts and my emotions are and how Satan loves to wreak havoc in that area of my life.”
We’re Not Made to Be Alone – “This idea of living in community isn’t new to you or me. It is something that is inherently placed in us as a desire or craving to be a part of. When God gave Eve to Adam, He said “It is not good for the man to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18, NIV) Thus the first community outside of the Trinity was created.”
Alone, Yet Not Lonely – “He sometimes ordains that we walk alone. Why? So we grow closer to Him. So we identify with the One whose image we are being conformed to. To remind us that we will ultimately stand alone before Him on the Day of Judgment. To show us that nothing can ever separate us from His love, even when people fail us.”
