Overcoming Loneliness
Increasingly, many are experiencing loneliness.
61% of Americans felt lonely in 2019. In 2018, that number was 54%.[1] (US, Cigna, 2020) . In addition, younger people are having more feelings of loneliness. Gen Z (born 1997 - 2021) is the loneliest age group.[12] (US, Cigna, 2018), followed by millennials (born 1982-1999) (Found on socialpronow.com)
Medical News Today reports: “According to the American Pregnancy Association, common negative feelings include: guilt, anger, shame, remorse or regret, loss of self-esteem or self-confidence, feelings of isolation and loneliness, sleep problems and bad dreams, relationship problems, thoughts of suicide.” Furthermore, loneliness is said to be more harmful than not exercising
Given the serious dangers of loneliness, believers must know how to battle against this feeling, and to equip the younger generation to do the same. There are married and unmarried people that feel lonely and isolated. Many young people feel isolated and lonely even though others are around them. However, certain principles and habits can help us to overcome loneliness and feelings of isolation.
First, here are some of the things to avoid doing as a way of coping with loneliness. Avoid:
Using Fleshly Pleasure - sinful sensuality such as fornication, adultery, pornography, and other forms of sexual and sensual sins are ungodly, and not an effective way of dealing with loneliness. Rather, it increases mental instability and heartbreaks.
Idleness or Idle behavior - idle browsing the internet, television, and other forms of digital media is an ineffective way of dealing with feelings of loneliness. This include other forms of unproductive activity. Usually these activities increases the feelings of loneliness, and they are isolating.
Gossiping - in other people’s business
Pray for Grace
1 Corinthians 7:7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
Paul was gifted by God to remain single. Most people don’t have this gift, however, it shows that God can give you the grace to handle being alone. When you are alone, ask God for the grace to handle it with virtue.
Care for Your Family
1 Timothy 5:3-4 Honour widows that are widows indeed. 4But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
Take care of your family members
Take care of your parents
Spending the time to care for your family and household is a sure way to overcome loneliness. Focus on giving and caring for your family instead of receiving. Caring for others overcomes feelings of loneliness.
Develop a Mentoring Relationship
Mentor or disciple a younger person
Teach something new to someone else or take the time to train someone.
Ruth 1:16-17 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 17Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
Both Naomi and Ruth were in a lonely time in their lives. Naomi was a widow who lost her sons. Ruth, Naomi’s daughter in law, lost her husband. Ruth refused to leave Naomi and rather looked to her as an example. Naomi cared for Ruth and taught her. As a result, Naomi gained a daughter. Ruth remarried through Naomi’s instruction, and Naomi gained grandchildren. All this gave Naomi and Ruth joy.
Devote Extra Time to God
1 Timothy 5:5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
More time in prayer
More time doing God’s work
1 Corinthians 7:32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:
Even if you are alone, remember that God is your husband.
Isaiah 54:5 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.
Develop Godly Friendships
1 Samuel 18:1 And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
David and Jonathan had a godly friendship. It included the following:
Genuine care for each other
Protection of one another
Support for each other’s dreams and goals
Mutual commitment to the will of God.
Avoid bad friendships that:
Promotes sin in any form
Full of Gossiping
Discouraging
Get Married
This is a solution that God gives for loneliness. Humans are social beings. It is not good for man to be alone.
1 Timothy 5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully
Raise Children
1 Timothy 5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully
Through Marriage bear children
The unmarried can raise god-children and spiritual children
Enjoy Your Spouse
1 Corinthians 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
Some feel isolated and alone even though they are married. the solution is to reinvest in the marriage to have intimacy both emotionally and physically. Don’t wait for your spouse to make the investment, but give and you will receive.
Conclusion
The summation of all this is to overcome loneliness by caring for others, and becoming productive for God. if you focus on doing what God has put you on this earth to accomplish, and caring for those around you, you will overcome the harmfulness of feeling lonely.
