Loneliness

LONELINESS

1) only, only one, one, solitary, unique, only begotten son

Problem

Individuals may be subject to sighing, feel worthless, may cry easily, feel sorry for self, be at Aodd ends@ and need a word from God.  A lack of companionship and fellowship with God and God=s people is evidenced.

Biblical Statement

God has promised never to leave no forsake His own.  To stand alone among men may often be one=s lot, but we need never stand without God. He would be our constant companion, the Holy  one who is God of the whole earth (Isa. 54:1,5-6).

Isaiah 54:1 Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD. 5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.  6 For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. 7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. (KJV)

It is God, the Holy Spirit who will comfort us and walk along side us, even in loneliness

John 16:7  Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (KJV)

Jesus was lonely much of his time in ministry.

Psalm 25:16 16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. (KJV)

Psalm 25 is a Prayer of Trust.  Although, for David, it is an individual lament, though the tone of the language suggests a more appropriate description as a Aprayer of confidence.@ A very good passage for someone who is lonely. Psalm 25 helps one focus on God as the deliverer of loneliness.

The acuteness of the loneliness and the sense of distance from God are amplified by their dual source; they are partly a consequence of the person being surrounded by enemies who create trouble and partly a consequence of the awareness of sin within which, if not removed will bar one from divine fellowship with God.

Psalm 68:6 6 God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land. (KJV)

Here the word Asolitary in families@ refers to and only child in a family. However, the word also seems to mean Aone living alone@ in an isolated or friendless condition.  The plural, used in 68:7, probably indicates a class of people: those who are lonely and friendless (such as sojourners and exiles), cut off from family contexts..  It could also mean or suggest an unmarried man with no means to purchase a bride, Athose who love alone.@

Mark 1:45 45 But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter. (KJV)

Luke 5:16 16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed. (KJV)

Scriptures

Isaiah 54:10 10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee. (KJV)

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (KJV)

1 Corinthians 1:9 9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV)

Revelation 3:20 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (KJV)

          Psalm 34:18 18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. (KJV)

Counsel

Just as it is true that to show respect will bring respect in return, so it is true that is of is a friend, one will receive a friend.

Jesus is a friend who will stick closer than a brother.  He came that we might have life full of meaning, purpose and abundance

John 10:10 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (KJV)

It is not just to have someone near with whom loneliness can be dispelled that is needed.  Rather, Christian fellowship providing growth and effectual service, doing the righteousness of God which is service to another, for another and in behalf of another is one of the best ways to overcome loneliness.  Otherwise the bitter-sweetness of self pity becomes one=s diet.

If the person is able, encourage toward finding Christian fellowship.  Begin to point out the individuals own worth and how he is needed in the body of Christ.

If unable to do so, i.e., shut-in, find another such person who can be a telephone companion for the other.

There are also organizations that have Afood for shut-in,@ Aflowers for shut-ins,@ etc.  If any of these organizations can be found, refer the counselee.

If a born-again Christian, the counselee can become a member of a prayer chain, interceding for other needs.

If not born-again minister accordingly.  New life and a renewed mind are necessary for building a fulling meaningful life.

Prayer

Bind self-pity (a first product of our own natural sin of self-consciousness).

Release the love of God and the glory and witness of the Holy Spirit upon the counselee.  Expect God to reveal further needs and minister accordingly.