Loneliness: On This Side of Life, Nothing Will Ever Satisfy Our Longing Souls.
Writing on a blog topic that resonates so deep in one’s own heart can feel reflective, but I can see how this is not a topic unique to my own personal experience but is quite common to that of many. To be lonely may not be an admittance one would be so openly willing to share with others out of fear of not wanting to be judged or out of pride of not wanting to be exposed or pitied upon. The reality is loneliness is a worldwide phenomenon. Loneliness occurs when one lacks true and meaningful relationships with other individuals in their life. In a 2021 national survey of American Adults in the US conducted by Harvard University, 36% of respondents reported experiencing significant loneliness. This is over ⅓ of the U.S. population. How one gets to the eventual point of experiencing significant loneliness can stem from a myriad of reasons. We have all experienced a form of loneliness to one degree or another and ultimately what we are all able to share in that feeling is the resounding sense that on this side of life, nothing will ever satisfy our longing souls apart from the comforting balm of the Creator God who is able to bare our griefs and carry our sorrows (Isa. 53:4).
For the Christian, we are dealt not only with God’s joyous blessings of salvation but also with the challenging hardships of affliction such as that of loneliness. This is an inescapable reality, one in which deserves much preparation of the heart to endure such a position. Scripture mentions, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psa. 34:19). Thankfully in our vulnerable position, God does not leave us alone but promises to give us a Helper, who will be with us forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him” (Jon. 14:16). In the following verse (Jon. 14:17), we are wonderfully reminded that although the world does not know the Helper, we as Christians know Him because He dwells with us and will be in us. This is a passage of scripture worthy to be continually meditated upon in our times of loneliness. What remarkable truth for the Christian to grasp, what an astounding reality that we are not left alone (Jon. 14:18). This should bring us much comfort, much relief, much consolation in God our Savior.
Not only has the Lord provided us with a Helper, the Spirit of truth, He has also brought us into His family. We have also been provided the gift of fellow Christian brothers and sisters who have an obligation to encourage us in our faith (Heb. 10:25). In our loneliness, we can tap into this unending reserve which is only one of the many resources in which God has provided to us out of His great abundance and love for us. My hope is that through the consideration of some of the below mentioned resources in which we have been given, you can start to overcome your feelings of loneliness and renew your hope in God and in His promises over your life. Remember, it is the Lord who goes before you, He will be with you and will not leave nor forsake you, do not fear or be dismayed in your times of loneliness (Deut. 31:8).
1. In Your Loneliness, Seek God’s Presence.
Romans 12:12 encourages us to rejoice in hope, to be patient in tribulation, and to be constant in prayer. In times of loneliness, we can seek God’s presence through these means as well as through Bible reading, and praise. As we are given the benefits of salvation, we are given the benefits of God’s divine power (2 Pet. 1:3). We are told in scripture that God’s divine power has, “granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence” (2 Pet. 1:3). Through our salvation, we have access to God’s presence through the aforementioned means of His grace. There is no need to seek worldly solutions to help quench our loneliness. God bids everyone who thirsts to come to Him and asks why we spend our resources on that which does not satisfy (Isa. 55:2). He instructs us to listen diligently to Him and to eat what is good, and to delight ourselves in rich food, to incline our ear and come to Him, and to hear that our souls may live (Isa. 53: 3). God Himself will satisfy our weary souls, and every languishing soul He promises to replenish (Jer. 31:25). In times of loneliness, our only true need is to seek God Himself and His divine power.
2. Engage in Fellowship with Other Believers.
Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but to encourage one another, and all the more as we see the Day drawing near. As previously mentioned, we have a reserve of resources through our salvation, this includes our fellowship with our Christian brothers and sisters who have an obligation to encourage us in the faith. We can tap into this reserve in which God has provided to us out of His great abundance and love for us. We can openly share our struggles with other Christians who can support and encourage us and seek advice from mature believers who have also experienced loneliness themselves and overcame it. Their own helpful insights and subjective experiences can stir us up in continued growth in this area of our lives as well. In fact, the very admittance and level of transparency we offer through sharing our struggles may bring others closer into meaningful relationship with us.
3. Serve Others by Using Your Gifts to Bless Others.
1 Peter 4:8-10 tells us that we are to keep loving one another earnestly, and that as we have received a gift to use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. As you consider your unique experiences of loneliness and receive comfort through it, consider how you can expand your opportunities to serve others by the gifts that have been given to you. Have you sought to be available to serve and meet the needs of your fellow church members? 2 Cor. 1:3-4 states that God comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we are comforted by God. Faithful service and one’s abundance of love shown to others often provide a renewed perspective by helping to minimize one’s own needs over the needs of others. God’s many blessings and joy filled provisions are often showered to us in this way!
4. Practice Gratitude and Joy in the Lord.
Proverbs 15:3 states, “A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.” In times of loneliness, we must learn to practice gratitude and cultivate joy in our hearts to the Lord. You can do this by thanking and rejoicing in God for what he has done for you and for the many blessings He has given you through life. We are instructed to rejoice in the Lord always (Phil 4:4). This is an effort that takes diligence of heart. As we seek God in prayer and supplication with our thanksgiving, we are promised that His peace which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:4-7). Make it your aim to practice gratitude by thanking God each day for each individual blessing and consider His overall faithfulness in your life.
If loneliness has been your personal experience, then be encouraged to earnestly continue to seek the Lord in hope that He will assuredly see you through it. Hold fast the confession of your hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).
Written by: Rebecca Onagoruwa
Serenity & Grace Counseling provides life transformative hope and peace through Christ centered Biblical Counseling. Seek us for counseling help in your greatest time of need.
Preliminary Registration Form | Serenity & Grace Counseling (serenitygracecounseling.com)
Serenity & Grace Counseling 