Conquering Loneliness

Regarding this matter of loneliness, Charles Stanley writes: “God desires that all people feel connected to Him and to each other…The first step is to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Second, we must admit that we’re lonely. Some Christians incorrectly think they shouldn’t be susceptible to normal human feelings. But nothing in the Bible says we won’t endure emotional isolation. Finally, we should develop godly friends. These are the Christian brothers and sisters who will laugh, cry, and empathize with us. Above all, believers need friends who will continually point them to God and pray over them.”

I can’t agree enough with these three points…but especially about connecting with our Christian brothers and sisters. If you’ve read this page for a while, you’ve seen this theme emerge more than once. It is vitally important that those of us who are living for Christ, connect and support one another through transparent, intimate, and supportive friendships. This can be much tougher than Stanley’s first two points because it requires vulnerability. But I know that the Father will direct us toward those whom He desires for us to connect with in this way. All we need to do is ask.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  (James 1:5)

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; (Colossians 3:12)

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)