For all my cystas who are feeling lonely...
Overcoming Loneliness
Key Passage
"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.
Dr. Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries Home Page:
http://www.intouch.org 
Overcoming loneliness (Christian cystas) 
