Anchorage: The Storm of Loneliness | Part 5 of 8Sample

Why Am I Lonely?

What causes a person to feel lonely, to feel that there is no one who can understand and relate to them, to feel like they simply don’t fit in? Most of the time it stems from a past of feeling shunned, neglected, and ignored. These past experiences of hurt may result in a lack of trust and even a hesitancy to open up to people. This causes a person to be fiercely independent and guarded, even coming off as rude and cold. There are also those who are socially awkward, who are anxious about meeting new people and skeptical about being accepted. They tend to see themselves as less than others. This fear of not being good enough comes from a warped identity that we can’t seem to shake off. Who we are in Christ supersedes any other trait we may inherently possess.

Loneliness by definition refers to the “unpleasant emotional response to perceived isolation.” As Christians, we are not called to live by perception or feeling alone, but by faith. Whatever the cause of your loneliness, there is a God who knows you intimately and promises to never leave you, nor forsake you. No person or thing can give you that full measure of joy and acceptance that your heart longs for. It is only an understanding of who God is and what you mean to Him that brings about a shift in perspective. When we enter into the presence of God, the loneliness that grips our hearts begins to slowly ebb away leaving behind only a perfect peace and calm assurance.

When God created Adam, He said “it is not good for man to be alone.” God identified the need for a companion for Adam even before he expressed this desire. Only He fully knows the yearnings of our hearts and works to meet them. Adam first established his relationship with God, and out of that relationship came joy, peace, and purpose. If we linger in loneliness for too long, we might fall prey to anxiety and depression. You can be the one sheep that strayed from the rest of the herd either because you did not fit in, or because you pushed yourself away. But whatever the reason, we have a God who pursues us passionately, leaving everything else behind so that we may be found.

Reflection

Take time out to identify the cause of your loneliness. Is it because of a past experience, a fear that has gripped you, or simply because you find it difficult to connect with people? Whatever the cause, are you willing to take it before God and experience the warmth and comfort of His presence?