Dealing with Loneliness

No doubt that during this season that you are needing to rebuild relationships you recognize that no one struggles in a vacuum the struggles we have impact others and we desire to help you with restore broken relationships even if they will end up looking differently.

Loneliness

1. Although you may feel cut off from others, nothing can separate you from the love of God

Romans 8:35 – Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

Even in our loneliest times, we can find hope and strength in knowing that God’s love for us is unbreakable and remains close to us, regardless of our circumstances.

2. God can use lonely moments to refine us, to deepen our relationship with Him, and to prepare us for what lies ahead.
   

Hebrews 13:5 – I will never leave you or forsake you.

I Kings 18:25-29 - 25 Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire.” 26 So they took the bull given them and prepared it. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made.27 At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely, he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.” 28 So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed. 29 Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.

3. God’s love in us is a light that pushes back against the darkness of loneliness
   

Matthew 5:16 - In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

I Kings 19 - Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.”

3 Elijah was afraid[a] and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.

God had sent Elijah to many places and to do many great things –

• Pray that it won’t rain for 3 ½ years

• Raise someone from the dead

• Challenge the prophets of Baal

However, God never told Elijah to go to Beersheba and the Loneliness that came upon Him was worse than smoking 15 cigarettes a day. You see God doesn’t call the equipped, he equips the called. Our relationship with God not only comforts us but also equips us to be a source of light and connection to others who may also be struggling with loneliness. Jesus, the bread of life, offers strength for our journey even in the loneliest seasons.

John 6:51 – “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.”

Jesus nourishes us in spirit and provides the strength we need to endure challenging seasons of loneliness, reminding us that we are sustained by His love.

There are two ways we can build community through connection – we must go first – take the initiative – reach out, invite someone over, ask questions, show interest. We’re not just called to find community, we’re called to build it.

Be vulnerable – we must be real: Jesus showed humility and honesty in His relationships. Let’s follow His lead, showing others that they’re not alone.

4. Even in isolation, God’s love remains near
   

Psalm 139:7-10 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea ,10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

No matter how isolated or abandoned we may feel, God’s love and presence are always with us, guiding us through our struggles.

©2025 David W. Drake, President, Renewed Hope, Inc.