“40 Things…” Day 27 — Loneliness

Loneliness happens in a lack of relationship…not a lack of physical presence of others. I know a lot of people who are surrounded by people all the time but feel “alone”. So obviously loneliness has to be more than NOT being in the presence of others! BUT…

Relationship is fundamental to existence!

God said:

“Let US make man in OUR image.” — Genesis 1:26

“Us…Our”…relationship is a characteristic of the “image” or likeness of God!

Maybe this is why God said:

“It’s not good for man to be alone…” — Genesis 2:18

Loneliness = NOT good!

BUT…and here’s the catch. Sin makes being together…hard. We say, do things, act in ways that keep us from one another and from God. Relationships struggle and are broken…and we end up alone. Even when we’re “together”.

But we need to remember…this is not good!

So, this sets up the classic “rock and a hard place” scenario!

Not “good to be alone”…hard to be “together”….so we feel stuck…alone…and lonely.

Now, there are a LOT of passages about the blessings of relationships. But today, we’re going to think about “how” to NOT be lonely.

Step 1: Analyze — why am I lonely? Can’t relate? The people in my life annoy me? What’s going on emotionally? Is there unforgiveness? Some unresolved “issue”? In other words…what’s keeping you from relationships?

Step 2: Confess and/or confront! In other words, deal with the issue (if there is one).

Step 3: Engage! look for quality relationships. Look for people with similar values, faith, interests.

Step 4: Work hard! Relationships are WORK! BUT…they’re worth it! Remember it’s not “good” to be by yourself! But it’s work to be IN relationships. BUT it’s also work to be alone!

Remember…often the state of your horizontal relationships is similar to your vertical relationship with God!

So, let’s give up being alone and “loneliness”! Work on your relationship with God. HE will help you with the horizontal!

I hope this helps….

Tomorrow…Disunity