"No one supported me, but all deserted me...but the Lord stood with me and strengthened me" (2 Timothy 4:16-17).
Of all His creations, God saw in man the need for companionship: "It is not good," the Lord said in Genesis 2:18, "for the man to be alone."
From the very beginning, God recognized the problems of isolation. Adam needed someone with which to talk, relate, and share and experience life. Even though Adam and Eve ruined their opportunity for perfect fellowship, their relationship continued after the fall. They chose not to be alone.
Needless to say, our modern civilization has little in common with that of our earliest ancestors. Today, we spend countless hours on the go-sitting in traffic, working in a cubicle, shopping for groceries, making cell phone calls, and numerous other mundane, day-to-day tasks.
We're constantly surrounded by other people-whether it be at work, church, the mall, or on the interstate-yet, in the midst of this crowd, we are a terribly lonely nation. Albert Einstein expressed this emptiness when he said: "It is strange to be known so universally and yet . . . be so lonely."
As Paul wrote to Timothy, he explained how almost everyone he knew had deserted him, yet "the Lord stood with [him] and strengthened [him]" through it all. (2 Timothy 4:17) Christ was sufficient for Paul.
Jesus himself knew the painful feeling of loneliness. As He hung alone on the cross, He cried out: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46) Even Christ knew the sting of unwanted isolation.
However, Jesus also knew the positive effects of being alone. He often sought out solitude-which is a desired time of isolation-to speak with the Father and focus on His task at hand. In Matthew 6:6, Jesus says, "go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret." Christ recognized the positive affects that intentional time alone can bring.
As believers, our focus should always be set on the example of Christ. Instead of seeking fulfillment through Jesus, however, many of us attempt all types of methods to heal our desperate sense of detachment.
We spend myriad hours on the internet, watching television and movies, playing games, obsessing over our careers, and searching for alternative ways to fill the void in our lives. We bounce around in "ricochet romances," seeking one unhealthy relationship after another to satisfy our longing for completeness.
It's vital to remember, though, that the only way to cure our loneliness is by first admitting it is there. Then, we can begin the process of allowing Christ to heal our emotional wounds.
Once we confess our unwanted isolation, we can recall the promises of the Bible: God "will not fail you or forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6). Next, we should think about developing relationships that allow us to serve someone else.
There are few things more fulfilling than
offering our valuable time and effort to someone in need. As the holidays
approach, we should think of ways in which we can get involved and serve
others-possibly through our churches or communities.
Finally-and most important-we must develop an intimate and personal relationship with Christ. Over and over again, Jesus tells us that He is sufficient for all our needs. Through this fulfilling bond, Christ can eternally cure our loneliness.
If your earthly relationships are unfulfilling and you long for that ultimate connection with someone, remember the sacrifice that God made to have a bond with you. Admit your feelings of loneliness today and rely on God to lead you out of despair.
--Charles Stanley