It may seem odd as to how people could feel so
lonely in our modern times. With all the
technology available it may seem like an impossibility. But it is true. Social media, television, movies on demand and having an ability to
instantly connect with anyone anywhere does not remove the struggle.
I grew up as a Pastor’s kid and moved often. My personal fight with loneliness came in
my sophomore year of high school. We moved again and I felt like I could not
fit in to the new school in a new town.
I responded by withdrawing to my room.
My grades plummeted and my parents became deeply concerned.
Here I was surrounded by people at school, church
and my family, but overwhelmed by loneliness.
By no means was my story unique. Loneliness is a common human experience. Why do we feel this way? In an article from Time on this subject, it begins by saying “Humans were not designed
to be solitary creatures.” The author is
partially right. We were not created to
live in isolation, but she does not identify who we were created by, which is
important.
All of us were created by God. He made you and me. Furthermore, the article did not clarify
“solitary”. Most writings on loneliness
speak of isolation in regard to relationships with other people. That is partially right too.
Yes, God created human beings to live in
relationship with other people . . . and with Him. Here is a truth. If we do not know God personally or have
drifted in our relationship with Him then we have provided the foundation for
loneliness to flourish.
The first step toward victory begins with Him and
understanding that He made us for a purpose.
The Scriptures say, “. . . everyone who is called by my name, whom I
created for my glory, whom I formed and made” (Isaiah 43:7). God made you to know Him and experience the
wonder of His beauty and majesty. It is
there we are made whole and complete, where there is no loneliness, but abiding
joy and peace.
Only one thing keeps us from experiencing this –
ourselves. When we purposefully resist
God, passively neglect Him, hurt others or put our needs above those around us,
we open the door of our life to loneliness.
Here is the good news though. Jesus came to save us from ourselves. Through His death and resurrection, He made a
way for us to be made whole.
Are you struggling with loneliness? There is hope! Take the step of knowing God and following
Jesus Christ with all your heart.
