When Loneliness Prevails
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Loneliness is the feeling we experience when we hunger for human companionship but are bereft of it. It is important, however, to differentiate between loneliness that arises from circumstances beyond our control (when we are shut in by sickness or disability, for example) and loneliness that comes from an inability to relate well to others.

When we are lonely because of life's circumstances we must never forget that nothing can interfere with our communion with heaven. Shut off from others we can still have contact with the Friend of friends. An elderly man who lived in an home for senior citizens said:" I spend all of my time in this home, but I live in God."

Many people, though, are lonely not by reason of their circumstances but because of an inability to relate. In a needy world like ours, it has been said, anyone can have friendship who will give friendship. A very lonely individual became someone who was sought after by many after he heard his Pastor say in a sermon: "The best way to have a friend is to be a friend." He went home , got down on his knees and prayed: " Lord, forgive me for focussing more on myself than others. From now on I will move towards others with the same love by which you move towards me." As his thoughts changed from self-centredness to other-centredness he became a more interesting and attractive personality. His circle of friends widened and he became outgoing in all his relationships.

No man is ever without the friendship of God, but when lacking the friendship of human beings, keep in mind that when we give ourselves to others they will often give themselves to us. (Read my earlier letter on "The secret of loving").

First of all, make sure you have a right relationship with God. And then, you can find comfort and love in Him to relate to other human beings.One, feeling lonely and looking for friendship wrote the following hymn many years ago, which has become a very comforting and encouraging to many:

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear......,
What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer.
Oh what peace we often forfeit, Oh what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share,
Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our refuge; Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He'll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there. Amen!
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"Father, whatever the reason for my loneliness, help me take these words to heart. Drive the truth deeply into my spirit that I can never be bereft of Your presence, and, to have a friend I need to be a friend. In Jesus' name. Amen."

Scriptures on which to reflect:

1.No orphan in God's family: John 14: 18.
2.Take a step closer to God: James 4: 8.
3.Those who ask-get: Isaiah 58: 9.
4.God never separates or divorces His people: Hosea 2: 19.
5.Spend time with God and He will spend time with you: Psalm 25: 14.
6.Concentrate on being a friend: Romans 12: 13.
7.Put others ahead of yourself: Romans 12: 9-10.
8.Love-the greatest virtue: Colossians 3: 14.

"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends , if you do whatever I command" -saith the Lord Jesus. (John 15: 13,14).