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Thought For Today - battling loneliness

Posted Online: 11/5/02

By Rev. John Kramer

Loneliness is a mother watching her youngest go off to school the first day. Loneliness is feeling nobody cares and that you don't belong. It is rejection and it is separation.

Lloyd Ogilvie writes, "Loneliness is not isolation; it is insulation. It's a fear of knowing and being known. A Hollywood star confided to me, 'I have agents and bodyguards, a driver who whisks me away after every performance. Then I get home and wonder if I was a success. My wife and kids don't seem to be impressed that they are living with a star. I have everything I've ever wanted except a truly deep relationship.'"

What causes loneliness?

Something has impressed me in this recent study. It is easy to list causes such as shyness, fear, separation, moving and restlessness; but what is really at the root of it?

I'm discovering that the key word is relationships. Many are lonely without God or friends. Others who have a good relationship with God and friends are never lonely.

Craig W. Ellison explains the problem this way: "The lonely person is isolated and unattached. For some reason, he is unable to develop significant relationships, or is unable to gain emotional satisfaction from the relationships that are important to him."

What are some cures for loneliness?

Some that have been suggested are to become involved, see it as normal, reach out, refuse to give in to it, laugh at yourself, be interested in others, etc. Notice how many of these tie in with relationships.

For a Christian, it is absolutely essential to keep in touch with God. Remember, He said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5

It is important for everyone to keep in touch with others. "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly." Proverbs 18:14

That is why someone wrote, "Unless you are ready to give of yourself, you are not ready to be a friend or have a friend."

It is true there is always need for a support system made up of others, but it is also true there are things we alone can do. Are you putting forth the initiative that God would have you to do?