Wednesday; February 13

Often, when we discuss the issue of loneliness, we typically focus on trying to get people to reach out to the lonely and help them feel welcome in our world.  While this is a noble effort, I would like to take a little different approach.  If we find ourselves being lonely, what can we do?  There are going to be some gregarious people who may never understand what it feels like to be isolated and alone, but there are many of us who have felt like no one notices us much less cares about us.  We might be able to mount a logical argument to dissuade this belief, but the emotional draw of loneliness is strong and often defies reason. 
So, what can we do to help us deal with our loneliness?  Here are three suggestions:
1.  Work on our ability to trust others.  Sometimes our isolation is due to our inability to interact with people, but other times it is built upon a lack of trust of others.  We can’t depend upon them, so we stay away from them.  A first step in coming out of the shadows might be learning to trust.
2.  Be willing to take the first step toward transparency.  Many of us who are lonely do a good job of hiding it.  We can play the role of being socially engaged, but at the end of the day in the darkness of our private world we just don’t feel any connection.  Too many times people can’t read our minds or recognize our loneliness.  When we feel alone, let’s tell someone and allow them to help us develop relationships.
3.  Reach out to God and His people.  There are several biblical reminders of God’s desire to be present in our lives including, “And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” (Psalm 9:10).  When we feel connected to God there is a natural extension to His people.  If we believe that God loves us, we can assume that His people will as well – if we give them the opportunity. 
          Think About It!

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