Overcoming Loneliness

Genesis 28:15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

After a long week’s work, she returns home to an empty house. Seeing as how she lives alone, she sees no reason to cook a full course meal even though she knows she should. Instead, she decides to just eat out again. Alone, she enters the restaurant greeted by the hostess and requests, quietly and sadly, a table for one.

One of the most prevailing emotions among singles is the overwhelming, crippling feeling of loneliness. Many singles view being alone as a reflection of worth; others attempt to cover loneliness by assuming over extended schedules and over committed lifestyles. Don’t be deceived, loneliness is not the same as aloneness; one can be lonely even in a crowd. And let’s not get it twisted, aloneness is in no way a bad thing. Loneliness, however, can be a dangerous controlling agent of the enemy.

The enemy utilizes this feeling to make you believe something other than what God says. You’ve heard those voices, “No one wants to be around you,” or “You’re not worthy or good enough to be with someone.” Don’t allow the enemy to steal your interpretation of this season in your life. He desires to control your thought life so that you are wasting this valuable opportunity on thoughts and feelings God never intended for you. Don’t give license to the enemy to label where you are and where God does or does not want to take you.

Change your perception of aloneness. Know that God wants to utilize your solitude to mold you into independence from the world and dependence on Him. He has set you apart to focus on knowing Him and growing into an uninterrupted and consistent fellowship with Him. Having seasons of aloneness gives you a greater appreciation for relationships and gives you a chance to know yourself. Seasons of aloneness can be powerful chances to learn who you are and who God called you to be. Value the time God calls you apart to Himself as His very own. It might make you feel better when you realize that God loves you so much that He wants you all to Himself.

Remember that being alone may be your reality, but being lonely is your choice. Choose to be happy with just you, God certainly is.