Fighting LonelinessSample

The Very First “Not Good”

Bible Verse: “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’” (Genesis 2:18 NIV)

Scripture Reading: Genesis 2:4-25

Loneliness.

It’s been called many things in our time.

A plague. A curse. An epidemic.

For us men, it’s both a curious and vicious beast.

First, we generally don’t like talking about how we feel. Then, when we feel lonely and don’t talk about it, we stay lonely, and the cycle continues.

Biblically, to be alone is the first “not good” in Scripture (Genesis 2:18 NIV). God said it about Adam, the first man, initially created alone.

This makes me wonder something.

Why, when He made all Creation, would God also make the man vulnerable to loneliness?

But that leads me to the answer.

Since God created everything originally in perfection, loneliness is not a sin.

Let me say that again:

Loneliness is not a sin.

There are many reasons for this very real feeling, some of which we will look at this week, but let’s start from a place of what is good:

1. God is good! You may not feel close to Him when you feel lonely. But look at Adam. God was present with him in the Garden, yet God said it was not good for Adam to be alone. God is good, and He knows.

2. God has created solutions to our loneliness. This is amazing! The fact that our God notices our hearts and cares enough to create solutions for us is incredible!

As we journey through the topic of loneliness this week, I ask that you remember a couple of things:

Remember that you are not alone in feeling this—many men are in the same boat.

Remember that God sees you and has creative solutions for you. Some will fit your context better than others, but He is with you.

My encouragement to you: Don’t do this week’s devotionals alone. Share the link with another man and walk through them together.

Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, that You see me and are with me when I feel alone. Help me to grow and learn this week so that I can see the solutions You have for me. Amen.

Reflection: Who is one friend you can share these devotionals with this week? Send them the link!