Seen, Heard, and Understood. Finding Belonging in a World of IsolationSample

Loneliness comes in many forms, whether for brief moments or long periods of extended separation from anybody who knows and loves us for who we really are. Loneliness hurts, and scientific evidence suggests that if it goes on too long, it can significantly impact our physical and mental health.

Each year my friend and I book one-way flights to some far-flung land and then attempt to hitchhike home. It’s the kind of thing 20-year-olds might do on a gap year, but we are both in our mid-40s and have families and ‘proper’ jobs. We are attempting to re-live our youth.

In 2018 we flew to Tbilisi in Georgia, some 5,000km from my home in Liverpool, UK. Our journey home started well, but terrible weather hampered our progress, and by the time we reached Poland, I had run out of time. With over 2000km still to travel, I headed for the nearest airport while Mark pressed on. As we parted company, I suddenly felt alone despite being in the middle of a busy city. I felt a sense of loneliness for the first time in a long time.

If you are feeling lonely and isolated today, I would encourage you to stick with me for the next few days while we read about the God who sees, hears, and understands you.