Reach Out - Loneliness

According to a recent survey 60% of adults say that they have felt lonely while 36% indicated they have suffered from extreme loneliness.

Loneliness has been connected with poor health and even a higher mortality rate.

What these statistics tell us is that loneliness is a serious issue.

It may surprise you to learn that the apostle Paul dealt with loneliness.

He talks about it in 2 Timothy.

2 Timothy 4:9-11, 13, 16, 21a

2 Timothy 4:9–11 NKJV

9 Be diligent to come to me quickly; 10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.

2 Timothy 4:13 NKJV

13 Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.

2 Timothy 4:16 NKJV

16 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.

2 Timothy 4:21 (NKJV)

21 Do your utmost to come before winter.

Paul had been abandoned by those he depended on.

Some he had sent away.

Only one friend had stood by him.

Paul was lonely.

What did he do?

He reached out to Timothy.

He asked Timothy to come see him and bring others with him!

He asked Timothy to bring him reading material and a coat!

Paul requested personal interaction, mental stimulation, and comfort.

Do those sound like things we need?

Paul did what all of us need to do when we are lonely.

Reach out.

Reaching out today is easier than a letter that had to go by ship.

Reach out.

Send that text.

Make that phone call.

If you are lonely … reach out.