Finding Hope in Connection

‘...because God has said, ‘never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’

(Hebrews 13:5 NIV)

I wonder if there is any other feeling like when you feel all alone...even when you are surrounded by people.

I remember when I lived in London in my twenties. Every single day I would rub shoulders with many, many people.

People on the tube.

People at the coffee shop.

People at work even.

But there was still something missing.

I would go home each night and cry myself to sleep because I felt like no one knew me, wanted to know me or was pursuing relationship with me.

Fast forward to my thirties.

I had moved out of the city and into a more rural city in the Midwest.

This was no less painful, but in its own unique way.

I would go to church on a Sunday and, rather than leaving the building feeling enriched and fulfilled, I would leave feeling unseen and empty.

I knew plenty of people in this particular setting but, again, that familiar scenario of not being pursued, inquired of, or sought out lingered.

I share these experiences not to discredit the people I was doing life with, but to shine a light on the common experience that many of us can relate to – feeling alone in a crowded room.

Friends, I don’t believe that loneliness disappears the day that we make a thousand friends and have many people in our lives.

I believe that loneliness goes away, or at least quietens down, when we connect.

If you find yourself in a state of loneliness or in a season where you feel alone in a crowded room, may I encourage to seek out connection with others?

This may look like going for a coffee, 1-1, and sharing about your interests, lifestyle or current struggles.

It may look like joining a group that matches your hobbies and skillset and spending time genuinely sharing your heart with the people you share hobbies and interests with.

Either way, make a commitment to not leave a space or occasion where people are present without locking eyes with someone and sharing about you, whilst also enquiring about them.

This kind of heart-to-heart connection eradicates loneliness like nothing else can...except one thing.

Or should I say one Person.

Come back tomorrow when we will talk about the one friend we have who always sticks closer than a brother.