Overcoming Loneliness in College a 9-Day Devotional by Cantice Greene and Joshua Greeneಮಾದರಿ

Loneliness vs. Solitude

Cantice says…

There’s a difference between loneliness and solitude, where loneliness=bad and solitude=good. For starters, in the Bible, being a loner has the connotation of shunning companionship for a selfish goal. Solomon’s message in Ecclesiastes says,

"Again, if two lie down together they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." (4:11-12)

Later, God confirmed his sentiment about man being alone in relation to bearing burdens. In Numbers, the Bible shows us that when there is a great task to do, it is more efficient and more enjoyable to do it with others.

Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone. (11:17)

As the scriptures show in Ecclesiastes 4 and Numbers 11, being alone is usually portrayed as a problem to solve.

Solitude, on the other hand, connotes the image of someone who withdraws from others for a spiritual purpose. Jesus’ ministry underscores the importance of solitude. For example, Jesus commanded us to pray alone, “But when you pray, go in your room and when you have shut the door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will award you openly (Matthew 6:6-7). Jesus Himself practiced the same thing: Matthew 14:23 says, “Jesus went alone to pray.”

Now that we’ve made a distinction between loneliness and solitude, we want to share with you the ways we were able to combat loneliness in college with family, church, and friends, and spending time reading the word of God. We will share our experiences and what they taught us over the next four days.

Meditate on this: Luke 9:18, John 6:15