Why do so many people feel lonely? In the words of The Beatles, “All the lonely people, Where do they all come from? Where do they all belong?”
If you feel alone even when you’re surrounded by people, I hope this article helps you. It did me. And if you need a friend, contact me.
Warren Wiersbe wrote a short booklet, Lonely People. He uncovered 6 Bible characters who reveal six causes of loneliness and One who gives you the cure.
1. Cain: The Loneliness of Sin
Cain killed Abel our of jealousy. But he also killed himself… not literally. But he brought on himself a life of loneliness and wandering. The tragedy of Cain’s life is that in one sinful act he blocked all human and divine relationships that make life worth living. He could have asked for forgiveness. But he didn’t. He chose to remain in his self-made prison of loneliness.
2. Job: The Loneliness of Suffering
Except for Jesus, no one in the Bible suffered as much as Job did. In one day, Job lost all his wealth and all ten of his children. Then he lost his health, the love of his wife, and the compassion of his friends. But he never lost his faith in God even in the loneliness of his suffering. It is easy to lose perspective on life when we hurt. We focus on ourselves, not others. We look only at the present pain not the hopeful future. We start questioning our faith. We worry and fear. Suffering often results in a feeling of loneliness.
3. Moses: The Loneliness of Service
Leadership creates loneliness. There’s an old saying, “It’s lonely at the top.” People in leadership have to see further and deeper than other people. People in leadership are often targets of criticism. Moses felt the loneliness of leadership. He had the care of all the children of Israel. It took Moses one night to get the Jews out of Egypt, but it took 40 years to get Egypt out of the Jews. They constantly complained about his leadership. Many times he felt lonely.
4. Elijah: The Loneliness of Self-Pity
Elijah was a great man of God who performed many miraculous works. After calling fire down from Heaven, he ended up running away in fear through the desert. He was discouraged, depressed and alone. Often, depression is a result of loneliness, the kind of loneliness that feeds on self-pity. Elijah got his eyes off God and on to himself and felt himself worthless. His self-pity fueled his loneliness.
5. Mary & Martha: The Loneliness of Sorrow
When a loved one dies, it feels like a part of you has been cut off. Mary and Martha had a brother who died. Though they knew they would see him again, their heart still hurt. A great deal of weeping is recorded at his funeral. Even ‘Jesus wept.’ It is not wrong for Christians to sorrow. Often our sorrow will introduce us to times of loneliness as we grieve the loss of a loved one.
6. The Older Brother: The Loneliness of Stubbornness
The story of the Prodigal Son is one of forgiveness and rejoicing. A runaway boy has returned to his father and a ‘Welcome Home’ party begins. However, his older brother stays out in the field, alone, angry because he was not getting his way. He was angry and would not forgive his younger brother and enjoy the party. Even today many people live lives of loneliness because they carry a grudge or are angry at somebody for something that happened years ago. Of all problems, family problems are the worst. Heartache, sorrow, and loneliness are often caused by our own stubborn will.
Jesus is the Answer to Loneliness
Let’s take each of these lonely people and see what Jesus would give them (and you)…
Are you lonely because of sin like Cain? Jesus can forgive you.
Are you lonely because of suffering like Job? Jesus is in control.
Are you lonely because of service like Moses? Jesus wants to share your burden.
Are you lonely because of self-pity like Elijah? Serve Jesus rather than yourself.
Are you lonely because of sorrow like Mary & Martha? Jesus has conquered death.
Are you lonely because of stubbornness like the Older Brother? Forgive as Jesus has forgiven you.
Don’t be lonely today. Let Jesus change your life.