Fighting LonelinessSample

All in The Same Boat

Have you ever been so distraught that all you wanted to do was be alone?

As men, we have a name for that: “The Man Cave.”

Peter is a disciple with whom I relate. Vocal. Emotional. Scared. Bull-headed.

In John 21, we find Peter sitting in his thoughts. Jesus has been crucified, raised from the dead, and even revealed Himself to the disciples. But Peter is now at a loss for what to do next.

And what is his solution?

Fishing.

Not just fishing, but fishing by himself, even though he is sitting with some of his friends.

I can just picture it. Peter is sitting there beside John, listening to some of the guys chatting about nothing. Maybe one of them cracks a joke that wasn’t funny. Whatever was going on, Peter had enough and announced, “I’m going fishing” (John 21:3, NIV).

Notice his statement. He is with a group of friends, and yet he says, “I’m going…”

Not, “Hey, let’s get out of here…” “Hey, let’s go fishing…”

Peter wanted to be alone.

And how do his friends respond?

“We’ll go with you” (John 21:3 NIV).

Notice their statement. As a group, they say, “We’ll go with you.”

They see their friend wanting to be alone, but they don’t let him!

And what happens?

They all get into the same boat together.

Ecclesiastes says it is better to be with others because you can support each other, help each other, and hold each other up (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

Maybe you’re the one that’s feeling lonely. But maybe it’s someone you know.

What are you going to do about it?

Will you let him “go fishing” alone, or will you get into the boat with him?

Sometimes, the best approach to overcoming our loneliness is to take the initiative to spend time with other men.

Join the church baseball team.

Connect to a small group.

Get to church early, grab a coffee, and meet someone.

Whatever it is, leave your “cave” and get into the “boat” with other men. You might just find the “cord of three strands” you’ve been looking for.

Prayer: Jesus, open my eyes to where I can find other men to connect with and journey through life with—men that I can be in the same boat with. Amen.

Reflection: Make a list of options for where you can connect with other men. Now, choose one or two and connect.