Loneliness is an emotional response of the mind after perceiving the environment. It makes one feel unwanted, isolated, insecure, alone, and empty, even when surrounded by many people. When lonely, you get depressed and tend to stay away from people. An example of circumstances that can make one feel lonely is when a new immigrant employee is amidst new foreign people. Another example is when a child is being raised in an abusive family. Some of the causes of loneliness include cultural factors, the unfortunate loss of somebody, contagious technology, relationship problems, shortage of money, discrimination, travel to a new place, a mistake you made, or even your mindset. Everyone sometimes feels lonely , and this experience may vary from one to another. And this is not the plan of God because He created people to stay together and maintain social happiness.
How do you know you are suffering from loneliness?
Loneliness is far different from being alone. Some may think the latter is what we are referring to as loneliness. Being alone means you have gone to a secret distance, but only your physical presence is there. You may want a quiet place for meditation, or you want to avoid some bad circumstances. The main way to know you are suffering from loneliness is when you feel no one is on your side and you are in a state of despair. Other signs include: feeling you want to stay in isolation, being divided from others meaning no friends, feeling uncomfortable connecting with people, rooted in feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and burnout.
Matthew 27:46 ”About three o’clock in the afternoon, Jesus wailed in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lemasabachthani!” (which translates to ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”)
Even Jesus felt lonely at the cross. This was the time of the crucifixion, and He felt like God had abandoned Him. The majority of people were against Jesus, and as far as I recall, Peter denied Him three times. Loneliness is a common problem for us, but knowing how to handle it is the key.
Loneliness’ Effects
Feelings alone can lead to depression, anxiety, or even suicidal thoughts. Your self-esteem and confidence are lowered, and you tend to be dormant. Antisocial behavior can even force you to change your habits and start drug abuse. It affects your academics or even your productivity and wellbeing at work. Even if you are called to preach the gospel, you can’t do so. Never let loneliness reach this point. God has better plans for you, plans to make you prosper. Even when we can’t feel His presence, He is there for us. From the time of Adam and Eve, He created people to commune together, which is why we are many in this world.
How to handle loneliness
To cure this hole, you need a close relationship with God. He made you, He knows why everything happens to you, and that is why He can fill that void. If you have this feeling you are experiencing, here are some Bible verses to help you relieve loneliness and pain.
Psalms 73: 23-26
Nonetheless, I am constantly beside you; you have my right hand in yours. You will lead me with your advice, taking me to glory. Who else would I have in heaven but you? And apart from you, there is nothing on this planet that I desire. My mind and soul may fail, but God is my heart’s hope and everlasting portion.
A broken heart makes you fall. You should never feel that no one hears you because your creator always understands your situation. Loneliness will end when you courageously realize God is always holding your hand. The mountain will crumble and perish because God is faithful.
Psalm 68:5-6, John 14:16–18
In his sacred dwelling, God is the parent of the parentless and the guardian of widows. God provides a refuge for the lonely and leads the imprisoned to wealth, while the rebellious live in a barren field.
The verse assures us that God is ever close to His people, even when we are hurt. The terrible thing that can happen to you is when your family forsakes you. Just imagine your parents leaving you. Even when there is no hope, God assures you that he is a family member to you. He will remain around you and passionately meet your needs. You have to trust Him and ask Him to take care of your problems.
Isaiah 43:2-3
“Fear nothing because I have rescued you; I have identified you by identity, and you are mine,” says the Lord, who established you, O Jacob, and molded you, O Israel. When you go through the floods, I must be with you so that the rivers will not overrun you; when you walk across fire, you will not be scorched, and the blaze will not devour you. Because I am the Lord your God, Israel’s Holy One, and your Savior. As compensation for you, I offer Egypt as a ransom and Cush and Seba. I will take your descendants from the east, so don’t be afraid.
Life is full of unbalanced scenarios, and these valleys make us feel like no one is on our side. God is the one who gives us the healthy ability to breathe and always provides us with clean air. When God says you are His, you are not supposed to worry. He will ensure that you won’t smell smoke even when you pass through the fire. God heals all the brokenhearted and cures all the wounds. He will compensate you in double portions, so don’t be concerned.
Philippians 4:4-7
Always happy in the Lord; I’ll say it again: rejoice. Let everyone know how calm you are. Don’t be concerned about anything; instead, make your intentions known to God in almost everything by praying and petitioning with gratitude. In Christ Jesus, the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will protect your minds and hearts.
This reminds us that we should always be happy and prayerful. If we trust in the Lord, we should pray to Him every time we have a need. How many times do you kneel and pray? Never let a day pass without making supplications known to Him. You even realize that you have been lonely for nothing. God is the maker of ways where there seems to be no way. Drawing near Him, you feel encouraged and relieved.
Isaiah 54:10
Though the mountains and hills may leave this earth, my unwavering love for you and my promise of peace will remain, “declares the Lord, compassionate toward you. “Behold, I shall place your stones in antimony and lay your groundwork with gems, O wretched one, storm-tossed and without comfort.” The Lord will enlighten all of your descendants, and your children will be at peace. You will be entrenched in honesty; you will be safe from exploitation because you will not be afraid, and you will be safe from terror because it won’t approach you.
Even when the strongest people in your life fail you, God has promised unending support. He will make sure to work for you in all circumstances that are not going well. Do you remember the story of Hannah and how she was worried about having a child? She was not comfortable being barren, which is why Peninah was happy. In the end, God blessed Hannah with Samuel, who became a great prophet in the land. Do not be anxious about tomorrow and how it will be. God has promised to take care of it.
Final Prayer
My God, thank you for this grateful day. You have been awesome to me in many ways. Thank you for your mercies. My Father: I feel like life has turned against me. You understand all the worries and struggles I am undergoing. I feel overwhelmed, but please give me strength since you have promised help. Please help me not worry about anything since it is all in your hands. Give me peace of mind and settle all my bitterness. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray, trusting, and believe. Amen.